- From the emergence of the first Slavic state to the conflict in Chechnya and the policies of Vladimir Putin, this is a concise yet thoughtful guide to the complex and turbulent history of Russia and its people. Paying particular attention to the implications of a future without Putin at its helm, Abraham Ascher provides a skillful blend of detail and analysis for all the key points in Russian history, from the Bolshevik Revolution to the coup that ousted Gorbachev. Newly updated to cover Russia"s growing economic stature as well as the mounting divergence between Russia and the US" foreign policy stance, this stimulating introduction will prove useful and enlightening for students, scholars, and travellers alike.