Russian Federation: Then and Now

Allen, John. The Russian Federation: Then and Now. 2015. 80p. ISBN 978-160152-692-2. Available at 947.086 ALL on the library shelves.

Russia has played a primordial role in world affairs for the last three hundred years, first as a growing empire, then as the center of the Soviet Union, and now again in the news for its aggression in Ukraine. Governed by strongmen and dictators since Peter the Great, Russia expanded to cover parts of Europe and Asia, but in the process its development diverged from Europe.

From the rise of Communism, Russia became an integral part of the Soviet Union, and fought World War II on the side of the Allies before parting ways in the Cold War. Its central planning and command economy left it weak and unable to cope with the challenges posed by people demanding more rights. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a reassertion of the traditional Russian Federation.

This book discusses the history and the politics of Russia, recent economic prospects and development, a society in flux, and the pitfalls and possibilities that lay ahead for Russia and the world. 

This is a great read to learn more about a region of the world most Americans are unfamiliar with. Other books in this series include Baltic States, Central Asian States, South Caucasus and Ukraine.