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The hidden system -- Poverty -- The rich and powerful -- Drinking and drunks -- Family and friends -- Women -- Indolence and inefficiency -- Innovation and protest -- Cold and punishment -- Cheating the system -- Grand schemes and the threat of collapse -- Future delayed

An examination of power relations in Russia maintains that President Vladimir Putin has eroded state institutions & the rule of law. Exploration of the baffling relationships among the ruling elite notes the difficulties involved in discovering who is pressuring whom, as in the case of billionaire businessman & former Duma deputy Boris Berezovsky, who did a recent about-face to oppose legislation that would increase presidential power. It is contended that the debate over whether Putin is a tyrant, pawn, or reformer is complicated by moves like his initial attack against top business leaders & his later assurance that the government would not reevaluate privatization deals. A portrayal of Berezovsky highlights his rise to power, his influence over Boris Yeltsin, his voluntary resignation from the Duma, & his current standing as an independent player. Putin's recent constitutional reforms & government raids against privately owned companies are discussed. It is concluded that Russia continues to be ruled by those with money & today's politics consist primarily of turf wars between rival groups. J. Lindroth