The Rise of the Russian Democrats

The Causes and Consequences of the Elite Revolution

Studies of Communism in Transition series

Judith Devlin, College Lecturer in Modern History, University College Dublin, Ireland

The Rise of the Russian Democrats attempts to characterise the original inspiration, strengths and weaknesses of the democratic movement in order to explain political culture after the 1991 coup. As an exploration of the reasons for the slow and superficial nature of democratization in Russia, this book is of practical, as well as academic, interest for students, researchers, journalists and policymakers.

‘Devlin’s book can be strongly recommended as an excellent account of the seeds that were sown for democracy in Russia during the late Soviet period, and in particular for its portrayal of the important role played by the intelligentsia.’
– Peter Shearman, Australian Slavonic and East European Studies

‘Well researched and documented. Recommended for general readers and upper-division undergraduates through faculty.’
– J.S. Zacek, Choice

‘This concise and well-written work provides an analysis of the democratic movement in Russia since perestroika. . . Assessing the strengths, weaknesses and ultimate impact of the democratic movement, Devlin delivers a convincing contribution to the literature dealing with the political landscape of post-Communist Russia.’
– Journal of Peace Research

‘. . . this is an excellent book and a significant contribution to literature on the emergence of the Russian democratic movement.’
– Peter Lentini, Europe-Asia Studies

‘This is a closely argued book based on excellent evidence and research, and it deserves to be widely known and used in institutions of further and higher education.’
– John Wigley, Talking Politics

‘. . . the book deserves a place in the library for the detail it includes about the democratic movement and should serve as a good introduction to the topic for students.’
– Neil Robinson, Slavonica