This revised edition includes and examination of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections and their effects on Putin's leadership and Russia. Praise for the previous edition: "Out of her blunt, often acerbic, account come shrewd insights into Putin's transformation from an implausible, contrived successor into a dominator unchallenged by oligarchs, legislators, or regional bosses, let alone a democratic opposition." --Foreign Affairs "Shevtsova is one of the most astute and independent-minded observers of the Russian political scene." --Times Literary Supplement "Offers many insights into Kremlin court politics, as well as Mr. Putin and his foes." --The Economist "This well-informed Russian observer offers a straightforward situation report. Shevtsova's scorecard will interest serious Russia watchers." --Booklist "An insightful account of how the Russian president is swaying on a pendulum between reform and stability." --Survival "A timely, expert book." --Washington Post