Description
Book SynopsisIn Kremlin Winter, Robert Service, acclaimed biographer of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky and one of the finest historians of modern Russia, brings his deep understanding of that country to bear on the man who leads it.
'One of our most accomplished, erudite and prolific historians of modern Russia.' – Rodric Braithwaite, New Statesman
Vladimir Putin has dominated Russian politics since Boris Yeltsin relinquished the presidency in his favour in May 2000. He served two terms as president, before himself relinquishing the post to his prime minister, Dimitri Medvedev, only to return to presidential power for a third time in 2012.
Putin’s rule, whether as president or prime minister, has been marked by a steady increase in domestic repression and international assertiveness. Despite this, there have been signs of liberal growth and Putin – and Russia – now faces a far from certain future.
Robert Service reveals a premier who cannot take his supremacy for granted, yet is determined to impose his will not only on his closest associates but on society at large. Kremlin Winter is a riveting insight into power politics as Russia faces a blizzard of difficulties both at home and abroad.
'A masterful portrait of Putin and Russia' – Jack Coleman, Daily Telegraph
Trade ReviewRobert Service, our pre-eminent Kremlinologist, does not offer a lot of new gossip about Putin. He does not believe in demonising the Russian leader. Rather, in a piece of superb analysis, he sets out how Putin the man was swallowed up by the machine he created. * The Times *
The book has many qualities, not least in ambitious breadth, covering domestic politics, foreign policy, economics and military matters . . . makes for comprehensive introductory reading for those new to the subject. And in the way of any good book, it will be provocative for those already well versed in it. * Literary Review *
Substantial, well-documented . . . One of our most accomplished, erudite and prolific historians of modern Russia. -- Rodric Braithwaite * New Statesman *
A masterful portrait of Putin and Russia -- Jack Coleman * Daily Telegraph *
[A] Nuanced account of Putin in power -- Victor Sebestyen * Financial Times *
Service is too good a historian to attempt to string Putin's actions into a coherent strategy. Rather, he offers a portrait of a leader cobbling together response to a series of crisis. -- Owen Matthews * Times Literary Supplement *
