In this comprehensive study, Shamiev, a political scientist, explores cycles of defense reform in post-Soviet Russia by examining the interaction of presidential authority, military leadership, and civilian oversight. On the eve of Vladimir Putin’s election to the presidency in 2000, the armed forces were underfunded and badly in need of modernization. Initially, Putin focused on eliminating society’s checks on his power and did not prioritize defense reform. Then, in 2007, he appointed