Choice Review

Hale (Georgetown Univ.) devotes his analysis to Russian political parties from the early 1990s to the present. He focuses his research on how important a role Russian political parties had in the transformation of Russia during the last 15 years. This volume provides valuable and substantive comments about the special features of modern Russian political parties and associations. The author's analysis and assessments of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the Liberal Democratic Party of Vladimir Zhirinovsky are particularly insightful. Hale uses extensive interviews of Russian people who have profound knowledge of Russian elections, using surveys and polls as well as information about national and regional voting patterns. This volume helps readers understand the obstacles that exist en route to Russian political parties becoming as influential as political parties are in the West. Hale also sheds light on the role of other actors, such as governors, in electoral organizations. Additionally, the volume contains a well-developed theoretical perspective on the operation of the Russian political party system. Overall, this book is a useful tool for studying modern Russian politics. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Graduates students, researchers, and faculty. Y. Polsky West Chester University of Pennsylvania