Dina R. Spechler is associate professor of political science and adjunct associate professor of international studies, and faculty affiliate of the Russian and East European Institute at Indiana University.Martin C. Spechler is emeritus professor of economics and faculty affiliate of the Russian and East European Institute at Indiana University.

In their book, Spechler and Spechler (both, Indiana Univ.) examine the success of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy in the "near abroad" (the former Soviet republics). They argue that Putin hopes to achieve four objectives in the near abroad: prevent more “color” revolutions; keep NATO out; stem the flow of terrorists, arms, and drugs; and provide economic opportunities for his associates. This volume is strongest in the chapters evaluating Russia’s foreign policy in the near abroad. Looking at Central Asia, countries to the Southwest, and countries to the Northwest, the authors provide basic background for each country as well as a brief overview of its relationship with Russia. Although these individual country analyses are not exhaustive, they do give readers a good sense of Russia's policies and foreign relations under Putin. The book also presents a useful summary of the recent history of Russian foreign policy thought and a chapter on the ever-changing relationship between Russia and China. The discussion of Russia and China’s competition over Central Asia and their use of different international organizations to further their goals is particularly useful. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

• Chapter 1. Russia’s foreign policy objectives under Putin Chapter 2. Russia’s economic weakness Chapter 3. Disappointing multilateral institutions Chapter 4. Bilateral deals with Central Asian statesChapter 5. Military pressure on southwestern neighborsChapter 6. Resisting NATO pressure: northwest border statesChapter 7. Russia v. China: a problematic partnershipChapter 8. Conclusions and prospects