Russian Politics and Society: An Introduction. . - Reviews - book review

Contemporary Review, March, 2002

Russian Politics and Society: An Introduction. Catherine Danks. Longman. [pounds sterling]25.99 p.b. 431 pages. ISBN 0-582-47300-4.This study is aimed at undergraduates and its purpose is not just to explain modern Russia but to give students 'the academic tools to understand it while keeping up-to-date'.

The book is divided into four parts. The first examines the creation of the Russian Federation, the changes begun under Gorbachev, the collapse of the USSR, and the social and racial makeup of Russia. The second part examines how the new Russian government works: the executive, parliament, judiciary, military and the federal structure. Part III looks at 'the making of Russian democracy', that is the role of politics, political parties and the mass media. The fourth and final part, 'Reforming Russia', takes a longer view of the massive transformations that have occurred over the past few years. It looks at the position of the new Russia in the world, and at the economic and social ramifications of the changes . Catherine Danks argues that instead of bringing regeneration, the changes have made life even harder for the majority. The population is falling by some 750,000 a year. Corruption is greater than under communism and violence has soared. Yet, parliamentary government now functions in Russia. Yeltsin was ousted by an election, not by party manoeuvrings and Putin took his place peacefully. Elections are held and Russia is now open to the world. But the new Russia is a fragile structure apparently dependent on the will of the current President. The future is at least problematic to say nothing more. This is a most worthwhile study. It is packed with information which is easily digested.