Developments in Russian Politics 7 brings together specially commissioned essays by leading experts to present a wide-ranging assessment of politics in contemporary Russia, including the election and inauguration of Dmitri Medvedev as president and Vladimir Putin's appointment as prime minister in the spring of 2008. The contributors provide succinct overviews of Russia's executive leadership, parliamentary politics, elections, political parties, media and political communication, regional politics, economy, social policy, foreign policy, and defense and security. Clearly and accessibly written, Developments in Russian Politics remains the first-choice introduction to politics in the world's largest nation.