A unique Reader that brings together outstanding published works on Russian politics, this important book includes fourteen new, updated articles specially written for this collection. It analyzes major recent developments, including the Duma election of 1999, the Presidential election of 2000, and the institutional changes launched by President Putin. It covers institutional design, elections, parties, federalism, regional politics, presidency and legislature, economic reform and economic interests, foreign policy, public opinion, the mass media, and prospects for democracy. Including many specially commissioned contributions from more than forty of the world's leading specialists on Russian politics—a third of them Russians—makes this the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to political institutions and processes in Putin's Russia. Remaining accessible to a wide readership, it also breaks new ground on Russian politics.