The new edition of this extremely well-received political biography of Vladimir Putin builds on the strengths of the first edition to provide the most detailed and nuanced account of the man, his politics and his profound influence on Russian politics, foreign policy and society.  New to this edition: analysis of Putin\'s second term as Presidentmore biographical information in the light of recent researchdetailed discussion of changes to the policy process and the élites around Putindevelopments in state-society relations including the conflicts with oligarchs such as Khodorkovskyreview of changes affecting the party system and electoral legislation, including the development of federalism in Russiadetails on economic performance under Putin, including more discussion of the energy sector and pipeline politicsRussia\'s relationship with NATO after the ?big bang\' enlargement, EU-Russian relations after enlargement, and Russia\'s relations with other post-Soviet statesthe conclusion brings us up-to-date with debates over the question of democracy in Russia today and the nature of Putin\'s leadership and his place in the world. Putin is essential reading for all scholars and students of Russian politics.