When the Soviet Union collapsed, the world was left wonderingabout its destiny. In spite of the losses incurred, Russia is still apower with vast military inventories and an energy giant whoseoil reserves will last, at present rates of exploitation, for morethan 30 years, and with natural gas for more than 180 years.Questions abound as to what constitutes Russia's national interest, especially now, as a result of the conflict in South Ossetia.With Vladimir Putin no longer president, many Russians fear instability and insecurity. But the outside world, too, keeps wondering what will happen next. It is a defining moment for Russia,with far-reaching implications for the rest of the world. <br /><br />Michael Stuermer has observed at close quarters the formerpresident as he steered his country out of the chaos of the post-Yeltsin years. his authoritative new history of modern Russia considers the future for a country striving to be, once again, a greatpower with global reach.