Russian Government and Politics

Eric Shiraev's third edition of Russian Government and Politics remains engaging, detailed, and a good length for teaching schedules as it brings existing material on government institutions and policies fully up to date. It retains effective features from previous editions, including the Critical Thinking analyses that prompt student discussion. Welcome additions include an expanded section on Russian foreign policy - vital to understanding Russia in today's world politics. * Pamela A. Zeiser, University of North Florida, USA * This is an essential guide for grasping the nature of Russian government and politics. The text is highly comprehensive - stretching from the time of early Russian state formation to the Constitutional amendments in 2020 - and yet doesn't lose sight of the complexity (and paradoxes) of the material covered. It offers an admirable overview of the institutional machinery of Russian government and surveys with critical precision recent politics and policies in key domains such as the economy, social issues and foreign relations. Students as well as teachers will be grateful for such a well-organized work of synthesis, based on thorough knowledge and written with insight. * Peter Vermeersch, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium * Russian Government and Politics is a comprehensive, up-to-date and accessible guide to the contemporary politics of Russia which will help students develop a deeper and more rounded understanding of this vital field of study. * Eleanor Bindman, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK * Russian Government and Politics provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Russian state and its leaders. In an age where simple headlines, memes, and social media chat can too often dominate perceptions, the updated third edition of Eric Shiraev's book gives its readers context and information in order to better understand Russia. * Edwin Bacon, University of Lincoln, UK This textbook is an excellent resource, not only for understanding why and how the political system in Russia has emerged in the way that it has, but also tracing developments in the policies that have been implemented by various Russian governments. Each chapter actively encourages critical thinking from the reader, promoting active engagement with the material. (Matthew J. Frear, Leiden University, The Netherlands) *