A Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors

Comprehensive and authoritative, this text offers an accessible introduction to post-Soviet Eurasia. Students get a solid grounding in the physical, cultural, political, and economic geography of this rapidly changing region. Core thematic chapters focus primarily on Russia but also incorporate relevant information on the other 14 former Soviet republics. Regional chapters provide concise discussions of each republic and of Russia's main regions. Student-friendly features include engaging vignettes, review questions, exercises, recommendations for further reading, and Internet resources, plus over 200 original maps, photographs, and other figures. This book will be invaluable to geography instructors and students and it will also serve as a primary text in undergraduate courses.

Mikhail S. Blinnikov is Professor of Geography and Graduate Coordinator at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He is a native of Moscow, Russia, and has traveled widely and conducted extensive fieldwork in the former Soviet Union. Dr. Blinnikov's research and publications focus on the late Pleistocene biogeography of grasslands; phytolith analysis; remote sensing/geographic information systems; protected natural areas and green spaces in and near cities; young-naturalist movements and nongovernmental organizations; and Orthodox religious landscapes.

"A timely, insightful, well-written and engaging volume on contemporary Russia's economies, recent history, environmental settings, and enduring legacies. Personal reflections and observations add to the book's strengths. I will definitely use this text the next time I teach a class on the former Soviet Union. It is far ahead of any previous book on the region. It also will have broad appeal outside geography and should be required reading for business people and professionals in all fields who are working in the region." - Stanley D. Brunn, Department of Geography, University of Kentucky, USA "This text offers a comprehensive, accessible introduction to the physical, cultural, social, economic and political geography of the region. The book goes well beyond the bounds of a general geography text, giving students the historical and political context that will help them engage more thoughtfully with the material. The author doesn't shy away from interjecting his own insights about the personalities that have s