Russia in Flux offers an incisive and penetrating analysis of social and political change within the Soviet Union from Gorbachev's accession to the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States.The book is divided into three main parts. The first section focuses on the changing of the structure of leadership, the historical development of elites, the changes that occurred in the Soviet leadership under Gorbachev and the rise of the new political parties. The second section analyses social groups and discusses the changing composition and role of the major social groups in post-perestroika Russia. The final section highlights the new inequalities and analyses the new forms of wealth and poverty found under the reform leadership.

This fascinating book presents in an accessible form some of the most up-to-date and interesting research work on the former Soviet Union. It will be essential reading for all students of contemporary Russia.