'An excellent and important work' Literary Review'Anyone concerned about how the bear will respond will find this historically informative account an accessible and stimulating guide' Sunday Express'Putin and the Rise of Russia is a privileged insider's account of the Russian enigma at first hand. It's the best kind of political journalism' ObserverWhen the Soviet Union collapsed, the world was left wondering about its destiny.Russia is still an enormous power with a population exceeding 140 million, immense military resources and giant energy reserves - in short, a vast land full of promise and opportunity. Russia has the potential to be a force of stability or a force of turmoil, but when it comes to global affairs, can she be persuaded to join the world order?Professor Stuermer's authoritative and timely account considers a Russia going through a defining phase after the departure of Vladimir Putin.History is on the move: we face an open and challenging future in which Russia, for better or for worse, will play a key role.