Bandits, Gangsters and the Mafia: Russia, the Baltic States and the CIS since 1991

First survey to explain reasons why Russia took the course it did. Wide-ranging coverage of government, economy, military and security forces, intelligence, society and foreign policy. Covers all 15 former Soviet republics. Essential reading to understand today's Russia. Yeltsin's legacy examined. Putin's impact under the microscope. Photos, cartoons and tabular material illustrate the text and enhance information provided.During the 1990s, with the shift from Communism to capitalism, the "roving bandits," big business or the oligarchs, stole Russia. They gained influence over President Yeltsin and his government and gradually shaped policy in their own interests. In the first comprehensive attempt to explain why Russia took the course it did, Martin McCauley names names. He examines the period through the prism of government, including Yeltsin's shadow government, the military, police, security and intelligence services. Relations between Moscow and the regions, industry, agriculture, social policy and foreign policy are also explored. Martin McCauley is a specialist on the region and has published more than 20 books on the former Soviet Union and East Germany. He frequently appears as a commentator on regional issues on radio and TV in the UK and the US, and also acts as an investment consultant for companies considering investment in Russia, Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.