This work focuses on problems of economic development, modernisation, effective control, and possible democratic evolution of Russia. It is intended to bring the study of Russian politics into the mainstream of political science, and it assumes no previous knowledge on the part of the reader. Fundamental questions about the nature of political, economic, and social development are addressed. It examines and explains the incapacity of the Soviet system to deal with problems of modernisation, including establishing and maintaining a political order, economic growth, and legitimacy. The work emphasises dynamic relationships and changes.