William Zimmerman Book order

"When the Soviet Union collapsed, many hoped that Russia's centuries-long history of autocratic rule might finally end. Yet today's Russia appears to be retreating from democracy, not progressing toward it. Ruling Russia is the only book of its kind to trace the history of modern Russian politics from the Bolshevik Revolution to the presidency of Vladimir Putin. It examines the complex evolution of communist and post-Soviet leadership in light of the latest research in political science, explaining why the democratization of Russia has all but failed. William Zimmerman argues that in the 1930s the USSR was totalitarian but gradually evolved into a normal authoritarian system, while the post-Soviet Russian Federation evolved from a competitive authoritarian to a normal authoritarian system in the first decade of the twenty-first century. He traces how the selectorate--those empowered to choose the decision makers--has changed across different regimes since the end of tsarist rule."-- Back cover

Focusing on Soviet international relations during and after Khrushchev's leadership, the book examines the evolving perceptions of world politics in Russian discourse since 1956. Professor Zimmerman analyzes how Soviet commentators define key international actors and their implications for Soviet viewpoints. The study delves into the global power dynamics as understood by the Soviets and explores their assessments of the United States' capabilities, motives, and decision-making processes, revealing the underlying shifts in Russian political thought.

The book explores the interplay between external and internal factors shaping Yugoslavia's political evolution, emphasizing the impact of one million Yugoslavs working in capitalist Western Europe. It provides a detailed analysis of how international dynamics influence domestic politics, highlighting the significance of migration on the country's political landscape. Through this lens, the author delves into the complexities of Yugoslav identity and governance in a changing global context.

"When the Soviet Union collapsed, many hoped that Russia's centuries-long history of autocratic rule might finally end. Yet today's Russia appears to be retreating from democracy, not progressing toward it. Ruling Russia is the only book of its kind to trace the history of modern Russian politics from the Bolshevik Revolution to the presidency of Vladimir Putin. It examines the complex evolution of communist and post-Soviet leadership in light of the latest research in political science, explaining why the democratization of Russia has all but failed. William Zimmerman argues that in the 1930s the USSR was totalitarian but gradually evolved into a normal authoritarian system, while the post-Soviet Russian Federation evolved from a competitive authoritarian to a normal authoritarian system in the first decade of the twenty-first century. He traces how the selectorate--those empowered to choose the decision makers--has changed across different regimes since the end of tsarist rule. The selectorate was limited in the period after the revolution, and contracted still further during Joseph Stalin's dictatorship, only to expand somewhat after his death. Zimmerman also assesses Russia's political prospects in future elections. He predicts that while a return to totalitarianism in the coming decade is unlikely, so too is democracy. Rich in historical detail, Ruling Russia is the first book to cover the entire period of the regime changes from the Bolsheviks to Putin, and is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand why Russia still struggles to implement lasting democratic reforms"-- Provided by publisher

Exploring the intricacies of foreign policy decision-making, this volume presents diverse methodologies and frameworks used to analyze how such decisions are formulated. It delves into theoretical perspectives and practical examples, offering insights into the complexities and influences that shape international relations. By examining different approaches, the book enhances understanding of the factors that govern foreign policy choices.

The study delves into the evolving public opinion in post-communist Russia and its influence on policymaking, particularly in response to American actions like NATO expansion. Drawing on nearly a decade of extensive surveys across a diverse demographic, William Zimmerman reveals the mindset of Russian citizens and the implications for foreign policy. He highlights how insights from American foreign policy can be applied to understand Russian attitudes, shedding light on the orientation of liberal democrats in this context.