Russian Politics and Presidential Power

Transformational Leadership from Gorbachev to Putin

“Russian Politics and Presidential Power provides excellent insight into the Russian national character and the intellectual and emotional challenges that motivate people. The narrative is well written, , profound, and honest. The book is a very good resource for students who want to learn more about the nature of Russian politics.”

“Donald Kelley’s concept of 'modern authoritarians' as a central theme enables a reader to follow the complex personalities and course of events.  Perhaps even more valuable is the accuracy of the concept in portraying the Russian political experience. It is clear and presents the material that students need to understand.”

“Russian Politics and Presidential Power is a fine text for undergraduate audiences and a good one for graduate students to review, too. The notion of the 'authoritarian modernizer' helps as a way to understand the Russian presidency and to get away from the tendentious arguments about Yeltsin and Putin that are so often indulged in. Kelley’s work is clearly written with well explained examinations of the turbulent eras covered.”

“Russian Politics and Presidential Power is notable for Professor Kelley’s attention to political 'legacies' of past Russian and Soviet chief executive offices and practices.  Dr. Kelley demonstrates a number of the reasons for which Russian Federation politics have remained very fluid, and he acquaints the reader with many of the major political issues that have surfaced within the Russian political arena since before the disappearance of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.”