In this first comprehensive account to explain why Russia took the course it did, Martin McCauley examines the period through the prism of government, including Yeltsin's shadow government, and looks at 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 world expert on Russian affairs, frequently commenting for television and the media. His many books include The Soviet Union, 1917-1991.

List of Maps, Figure and Tables, Preface, , Map 1: The Russian Federation, Chapter 1 How and Why Did It Happen?, Chapter 2 Brilliant Tactical but Disastrous Strategic Policies: the Gorbachev Era, Chapter 3 Tsar Boris the Bruiser: the First Presidency, 1991-96, Chapter 4 Tsar Boris the Boozer: the Second Presidency, 1996-99, Chapter 5 The Tsar's Court: The Presidential Administration, the Security Council and the Government, Chapter 6 Colonels and Spies: Defence, Internal Affairs and the Security Forces, Chapter 7 Moscow Does Not Rule, OK? Federalism and the Regions , Chapter 8 Bandit Capitalism, Chapter 9 Agriculture: the Peasants Stay Poor, Chapter 10 A Society in Crisis, Chapter 11 Foreign Policy: Will the Empire Strike Back? , Chapter 12 Success Not Failure: the Baltic States, Chapter 13 Will the Imams Return? the Commonwealth of Independent States , Epilogue: The Spy Who Took Over Russia: Vladimir Putin, Bibliography, Index