Choice Review

Yavlinsky, leader of the Russian liberal party Yabloko, addresses readers as an economist and politician. His characterization of Russia's economy as "peripheral capitalism" and the political system as authoritarian is consistent with many other analyses. In an afterword written four years after the first edition of the book, Yavlinsky argues that the ills of the economy and the political regime have become more entrenched. First, the regime is placing greater emphasis on ideological rhetoric that is increasingly more xenophobic and reflects a longing for a return to a "great empire." Second, the authoritarian nature of the regime has deepened because the 2018 election was even less competitive than previous elections. Third, the authoritarian system has become more personalist with the elimination of any checks on the personal power of the "top man." Finally, Yavlinsky points out that it has become nearly impossible for any external actors--the West--to influence Russian politics. These are familiar observations, but the book is recommended as an assessment of Russia's political and economic system by an opposition leader. Moreover, while Yavlinsky's analysis is deeply pessimistic, his continued participation in politics reflects, by implication, a degree of optimism over the potential for change. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Rita P. Peters, Harvard University