Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-233) and index.

This textbook offers an up-to-date and incisive overview of contemporary Russia. Systematically covering the countrys history, geography, society, politics, economy and culture, it analyses current developments the headlines and the more everyday and situates its analysis in the wider historical context to help readers make sense of one of the worlds most important regions. Building on the success of its previous editions and analysing complex questions in the light of expertise gathered over decades, this remains the leading text for a wide-ranging account of Russia today. Praised for its accessible and engaging writing style, this new edition is essential reading for anyone interested in gaining a more nuanced and wide-ranging understanding of contemporary Russia. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Russian society, culture, politics, and international relations. Edwin Bacon teaches International Politics at the University of Lincoln. He is the author of more than half a dozen books on Russian politics and history. He has previously worked at Birkbeck University of London, the University of Birmingham, Bishop Grosseteste University, and the University of Warwick, as well as briefly for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and as Parliamentary Special Adviser to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons. He runs the book blog russiainfiction.com and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society