This book examines Russia's attempts to tackle the challenges of the new and increasing security threats of rising crime, corruption and terrorism that it has experienced since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. It demonstrates the close links between the rising drug trade, border problems, migration issues, organised crime, corruption and terrorism. Uncovering information not seen before by Western audiences, this book: shows how Russia's porous borders have facilitated the operation of transnational crime groups explores the specific features that make particular regions such as Siberia important for the drug trade and other forms of smuggling, analysing the character of the different criminal groups and networks, and investigating the informal links and collusion between these organizations and police officials considers the operation of corrupt practices in the military sector, one of the most closed parts of the economy analyzes the ways in which Russia is fighting crime, corruption and terrorism, and the implications for civil liberties argues that the extensive flows of illegal immigrants into Russia are creating ever more fertile grounds for corruption, crime and terrorism, while the immigrants themselves are often the victims of this crime.

Environmental devastation, a significant consequence of industrial activity in Soviet times, continues to be a major problem in Russia. Specific problems include radioactive pollutants from inadequately monitored nuclear plants, illegal logging and wildlife poaching which have grown into hugely profitable businesses for criminal gangs, and toxic waste from unsanctioned and poorly controlled metallurgical, petroleum and agricultural chemical industries. This book presents a wide ranging assessment of the environmental problems faced by Russia and of the crime and corruption which contribute to them. It also discusses the attitude of the Russian government which seems to view environmental protection as something for rich countries, something to be postponed until Russia is on the same economic footing as wealthier Scandinavian and western European countries. It concludes, gloomily, that the problems are getting worse and that little is being done to tackle them.

Countries undergoing major social and legal transitions typically experience a light, but relatively insignificant, increase in crime. However, in the past decade, many transitional countries in Eastern Europe, and Russia in particular, have experienced a surge in criminal activities that came about through the collaboration of diverse players—such as criminals, state officials, businesspersons, and law enforcement—into organized networks aimed to obtain financial and economic gains.

Corruption and the Russian Economy examines why the number of entrepreneurs is declining so rapidly in contemporary Russia, how many economic opportunities are being irrevocably lost each year because of administrative corruption, and why entrepreneurship has become one of the most dangerous occupations in the country over the last decade. Based on extensive research, including in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs and case studies, it reveals a corrupt system of government agencies at both the regional and local levels, and the increasing involvement of public officials in unlawful seizures of businesses. One major conclusion is that the vast majority of informal payments by entrepreneurs to regulatory agencies are made not to achieve illegal advantages, but rather to secure the property rights that they are entitled to under the law.

Now in a thoroughly revised and expanded edition, this text provides the most authoritative and current analysis available of the challenges facing Putin. Leading scholars consider a comprehensive array of economic, political, foreign policy, and social issues, offering an indispensable guide for anyone needing to understand contemporary Russia.

This book offers a comprehensive, multidimensional look into the major activities, groups, causes, and policing strategies related to global organized crime. Global Organized Crime: A Reference Handbook examines global organized crime dating back to its 17th-century roots. Unlike most works on the subject, which take a parochial approach by concentrating on individual countries or regions, this book uniquely details the impact of 21st-century globalization on such groups and their activities. Exploring the continuum of international organized crime and related developments from its early beginnings to the present era, the book also looks at the complicated issues that continue to influence its growth. It covers the impact of the end of the Cold War, immigration, the global drug trade, weapons sales, human smuggling and trafficking, the convergence of funding sources, and the effects of technology. What especially distinguishes this book is the connections it makes between organized crime activities and failed states, civil wars, political transitions, regional conflicts, and terrorist groups.

Now in a thoroughly revised, expanded, and updated edition, this classic text provides the most authoritative and current analysis available of the challenges facing Putin as he resumes the presidency. Leading scholars explore the daunting domestic and international problems confronting Russia today. Evaluating the regime s continued efforts to rebuild a country once on the verge of collapse, the contributors consider a comprehensive array of economic, political, foreign policy, and social issues. Clearly written and organized, this text is an indispensable guide for anyone wanting to understand Russia today."

A fifth edition of this book is now available. Now in a thoroughly revised, expanded, and updated edition, this classic text provides the most authoritative and current analysis available of contemporary Russia and the challenges facing Vladimir Putin and his successor, Dmitri Medvedev. Leading scholars discuss the social, political, and security issues that confronted Putin, as well as his successes and failures in dealing with them. The contributors conclude that Putin's influence will continue to be felt for years to come, not only because he remains powerful in his new post as prime minister but because he laid the groundwork for dealing with the many problems still confronting Russia. Clearly written and organized, this text is an indispensable guide for anyone wanting to understand Russia today.

Corporate raiding – the shocking phenomenon whereby criminals, business rivals and even state bureaucrats visit business headquarters and force owners or staff to transfer business assets, land or property – is an increasing problem in Russia. This book, based on extensive original research, provides a comprehensive overview of this activity. It describes the nature of corporate raiding, provides numerous case studies and discusses the role of the state and government officials. Overall the book argues that the prevailing climate of business and government in Russia leads to a situation where control is closely linked to corruption and coercion.

Thoroughly revised, expanded, and updated, the new edition of this classic text provides the most authoritative and current analysis of contemporary Russia. Leading scholars explore the domestic and international problems Russia confronts, including political, economic, societal, and foreign policy issues. The new edition provides an analysis from multiple perspectives on the major challenges facing Russia and Putin’s regime. Updates include new sections on corruption, Russia’s conflicts with Ukraine and Georgia, Russia’s response to Only by understanding these challenges—and previous efforts to deal with them—will it be possible to understand the trajectory for Russia. Well written and clearly organized, this text is an indispensable guide for anyone wanting to understand contemporary Russia.