Democratic Breakdown and the Decline of the Russian Military

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, History, Asian, Russia
Cover of the book Democratic Breakdown and the Decline of the Russian Military by Zoltan Barany, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Zoltan Barany ISBN: 9781400828043
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: January 10, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Zoltan Barany
ISBN: 9781400828043
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: January 10, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

Why have Russian generals acquired an important political position since the Soviet Union's collapse while at the same time the effectiveness of their forces has deteriorated? Why have there been no radical defense reforms in Russia since the end of the cold war, even though they were high on the agenda of the country's new president in 2000? Democratic Breakdown and the Decline of the Russian Military explains these puzzles as it paints a comprehensive portrait of Russian military politics.

Zoltan Barany identifies three formative moments that gave rise to the Russian dilemma. The first was Gorbachev's decision to invite military participation in Soviet politics. The second was when Yeltsin acquiesced to a new political system that gave generals a legitimate political presence. The third was when Putin not only failed to press for needed military reforms but elevated numerous high-ranking officers to prominent positions in the federal administration. Included here are Barany's insightful analysis of crisis management following the sinking of the Kursk submarine, a systematic comparison of the Soviet/Russian armed forces in 1985 and the present, and compelling accounts of the army's political role, the elusive defense reform, and the relationship between politicians and generals.

Barany offers a rare look at the world of contemporary military politics in an increasingly authoritarian state. Destined to become a classic in post-Soviet studies, this book reminds us of the importance of the separation of powers as a means to safeguard democracy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why have Russian generals acquired an important political position since the Soviet Union's collapse while at the same time the effectiveness of their forces has deteriorated? Why have there been no radical defense reforms in Russia since the end of the cold war, even though they were high on the agenda of the country's new president in 2000? Democratic Breakdown and the Decline of the Russian Military explains these puzzles as it paints a comprehensive portrait of Russian military politics.

Zoltan Barany identifies three formative moments that gave rise to the Russian dilemma. The first was Gorbachev's decision to invite military participation in Soviet politics. The second was when Yeltsin acquiesced to a new political system that gave generals a legitimate political presence. The third was when Putin not only failed to press for needed military reforms but elevated numerous high-ranking officers to prominent positions in the federal administration. Included here are Barany's insightful analysis of crisis management following the sinking of the Kursk submarine, a systematic comparison of the Soviet/Russian armed forces in 1985 and the present, and compelling accounts of the army's political role, the elusive defense reform, and the relationship between politicians and generals.

Barany offers a rare look at the world of contemporary military politics in an increasingly authoritarian state. Destined to become a classic in post-Soviet studies, this book reminds us of the importance of the separation of powers as a means to safeguard democracy.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The Jews and the Nation by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Modeling Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Saints and Their Miracles in Late Antique Gaul by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book The Mathematical Mechanic by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Codes of Finance by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Fundamentals of Microbiome Science by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Taxing the Rich by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Small Unmanned Aircraft by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Ever the Leader by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Life Exposed by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book While Dangers Gather by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book The Hebrew Bible by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Evolution's Bite by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book Capitalism by Zoltan Barany
Cover of the book How Enemies Become Friends by Zoltan Barany
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy