Ruslan Khasbulatov has played a central role in the dramatic changes in Russia over the last three years. He became Acting Speaker of the Russian parliament in July 1991 and helped to defend the Russian White House during the coup attempt of that August. He has since consolidated his influence in the Parliament, and has become one of the country's most powerful and controversial politicians. In this book, Khasbulatov presents his views on Russian politics before the coup, offers a vivid first-hand account of the resistance to the coup, and concludes with his views on the problem of power in the new Russia. He provides a unique insight into the development of Russia from communism to embryonic democracy and an unparalleled insider's account of some of the most momentous events of the late twentieth century.