The Rise of the Oligarchs in Post Soviet Russia
The Russian state has been characterized by its strong heritage of powerful, autocratic leadership. This domination by small ruling elite has been seen throughout Russia's history and has transferred into its economic history. Throughout the Russian czarist period, to the legacy of seventy years of communism; Russia has been a country marked by strong central state planning, a strict command economy and an overall weak market infrastructure (Goldman, 2003). Self-interest, manipulation and corruption have all been present in the Russian economy, and have greatly helped the few as opposed to the many. To this day, Russia still struggles with creating a competitive and fair market.
Throughout the czarist period to the seventy years of communism, the Russian people have endured immense hardships both economically and socially. For ages, the Russian people have been accustomed to state benefit, an emphasis on middle class values and a social safety net which was provided by the strong state (McFaul, 2001). Anything necessary for survival during communism was divvied out and controlled by the state. These were the ideals of the social contract between the people and the state (Hoffman, 2002). No matter how hard the times were, the Russian people believed that the state would provide and push Russia through the worst of times.
Throughout history, especially during the seventy years of communism, the people of Russia believed in their strong leaders and did not question the motives or actions of these individuals. The priorities of the state were always greater than that of any individual. Those who did act against the state were considered anti-Russian and were dealt with accordingly. The Russian people's unwavering belief in their rulers eventually evolved into a docile acquiescence. The Russian people were happy with their leaders as long as they could survive. Even if their was blatant corruption, an obvious dichotomy between the rich and the poor and
Throughout the czarist period to the seventy years of communism, the Russian people have endured immense hardships both economically and socially. For ages, the Russian people have been accustomed to state benefit, an emphasis on middle class values and a social safety net which was provided by the strong state (McFaul, 2001). Anything necessary for survival during communism was divvied out and controlled by the state. These were the ideals of the social contract between the people and the state (Hoffman, 2002). No matter how hard the times were, the Russian people believed that the state would provide and push Russia through the worst of times.
Throughout history, especially during the seventy years of communism, the people of Russia believed in their strong leaders and did not question the motives or actions of these individuals. The priorities of the state were always greater than that of any individual. Those who did act against the state were considered anti-Russian and were dealt with accordingly. The Russian people's unwavering belief in their rulers eventually evolved into a docile acquiescence. The Russian people were happy with their leaders as long as they could survive. Even if their was blatant corruption, an obvious dichotomy between the rich and the poor and
Bibliography: Brown, A., & Shevtsova, L. (2001). Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin; Political Leadership in Russia 's Transition. Washington, D.C.; Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Fraser, H Retrieved on December 1st, 2004. BBC News/ Business. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3927523.stm Goldman, M Hoffman, D. (2002). The Oligarchs; Wealth and Power in the New Russia. New York. Public Affairs. Kuchins, A McFaul, M. (2001). Russia 's Unfinished Revolution; Political Change from Gorbachev to Putin. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press. Pravda. 2004, July 23rd. Oligarchs in Russia: Neither Loved or Hated. Retrieved on December 4th, 2004. News from Russia, Pravda. http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2004/07/23/55187.html Shlapentokh, Vladimir. 2003. Russia 's Acquiescence to Corruption Makes the State Machine Inept. Retrieved on December 4th 2004. Michigan State University. http://www.msu.edu/~shlapent/ruscorrupt.htm