This book is focused on current economic, political and cultural affairs in Russia. It is hoped that students of international politics in general and all avid Russia-watchers will acquire from this volume a better grasp of what is going on there, and what we might expect to see in Russia in the foreseeable future. Important events of Russian history are presented, the knowledge of which is necessary in order to assess the present situation in Russia. The following treatment is not a full inventory of events. Rather, it is a summary of what is commonly known to Russians and should be known to every student of Russian politics and culture.