This discussion will explore and discuss the Russian economy from three perspectives — as an economist, a foreign policy analyst, and an average Russian citizen. As an economist, we will take a macro look at Russia’s economic model (free vs. controlled), current statistics, key markets, and risks and opportunities. As a foreign policy analyst, we will discuss who are Russia’s strategic trading partners and the potential future impact of both its abundant and scarce natural resources. Finally from the point of view of an average Russian citizen we will discuss whether the standard of living has improved, how you might become an entrepreneur, and how you feel about the oligarchs and corruption.

• Tuesday, December 2 at the Camden Public Library, 7-8:30PM
• Wednesday, December 3 at the Belfast Free Library, 6:30-8PM
• Thursday, December 4 at the Rockland Public Library, 6-7:30PM

READINGS

Russian Economy
The first three sections provide a comprehensive review of the Russian economy including a history of Russia’s transition to a mixed economic model

Russia’s Oligarchy, Alive and Well
Andrew S. Weiss, The New York Times
How and why concentrated wealth controls the Russian economy.

West Threatens Russia with More Sanctions, But Trade Relations Complex
CNN
Why the U.S. and Europe have difficulty agreeing on an approach to Russian challenges

What is the Russian Middle Class? Probably Not What you Think
Mark Adomanis, Forbes
Russia’s middle class compared to Western economies