Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008
From: Hans Van Zon <h.vanzon@yahoo.com>
Subject: new book
Russia's Development Problem - The Cult of Power
Author: Hans van Zon
In the series Studies in Economic Transition
Palgrave MacMillan, 2008
ISBN 978-0-333-73353-0
Price: 85 $
This book argues that Russia has struggled under autocratic power and that this continues to affect economic development today. A ¡cult of power¢ has underpinned legal nihilism, distrust, secrecy and aversion to transparency and accountability. Informal institutions are more important than formal institutions, and influence macroeconomic development. Property and power are merged, while property rights are weakly developed. Russia does not only face market failure, but also hierarchy and network failure. A system of values and social practices, with deep historic roots, constitutes perhaps the most formidable obstacle to social and economic development.
By exploring the operating mechanisms of the Russian economy in a comparative perspective, and with fascinating insights in how Russian path dependence continues to exert an influence on modern-day Russia, this book is essential for all those interested in the Russian economy and modern Russian history.
Contents
Introduction
1 Divergence in Post-Socialism: The Role of Culture
2 Soviet Russia: Revolution and Continuity
3 Post-Soviet Russia: Captured by the Past?
4 National Character and Economy
5 How Russian Neo-Patrimonialism Works
6 Ukraine and the Russian Type of Neo-Patrimonialism
7 Path Creation: A Comparative Perspective
Conclusion