The Rise to Power

The next chapter begins by describing one very violent occurrence in the presidency of Boris Yeltsin (the Russian president preceding Putin). In October 1993, a political standoff took place between the Russian legislative and executive branches, finally resulting in a bloody skirmish with interior ministry forces when supporters of Parliament marched on the Moscow television tower. Official statements put the number of casualties at 145 deaths and 800 injuries. Having done this, Yeltsin proceeded to draft a new Russian constitution giving the president extensive powers over foreign and domestic policy and effectively strengthening the overall position of the leader.

On a lighter note, here's Boris Yeltsin dancing

The authors continue to discuss in detail the presidency of Boris Yeltsin and how precedents were set for Vladimir Putin to come into power just a few short years later. From the military assault on Chechnya to the resulting bilateral treaties, Yeltsin's presidency is characterized by turbulence and instability. In the years 1991-1996, Russia endured many hardships in the fields of domestic and foreign policy and the country was not united politically. This is when Putin arrived in Moscow to join in the Russian presidential administration. Chaos and war in Chechnya raged on and thousands had taken to the streets protesting unpaid wages and soaring prices. The West had forced Russia out from its place in the Balkan States, humiliating the nation and sending relations with the United States on a downward spiral. This is the perfect opportunity for Vladimir Putin to step into the public sphere and act as the nation's savior.