Final answer:
The primary political power brokers of Russia have progressed from a small elite group in the past to the current centralized government led by Vladimir Putin and his circle of oligarchs, who have gained wealth and influence from the nation's natural resources and privatization of state industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary political power brokers of Russia have evolved over time. In the past, Russia was an agricultural country with decisions made by a small elite group, including the Tsars, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the aristocracy. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Boris Yeltsin became a prominent figure, and following his tenure, Vladimir Putin's administration saw the rise of a Russian style of capitalism. Putin began as Prime Minister under Yeltsin and later became President. During this time, many of his friends and allies amassed fortunes as billionaire oligarchs through the privatization of state industries and the lucrative export of natural resources like oil and natural gas.
Today, power in Russia is centralized, and the key political players are closely associated with Putin. The oblasts and krais of Russia are overseen by governors appointed by the central government—a change implemented by Putin to strengthen central authority. Additionally, Russia's relations with other countries, such as the U.S.-Russia relationship, are also managed by the central government with Putin at the helm.