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Articles by Sergei Guriev
Protesters Affirm the Modernization Theory
19 January 12
By Sergei Guriev and Oleg Tsyvinsky
When Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev stepped down 20 years ago, on Dec. 25, 1991, it ended the 70-year history of the Soviet Union and began Russia's transition to a market economy. Government control on the prices of consumer goods were lifted on Jan. 2, 1992, and within a matter of weeks, the planned economy, long lines and deficits became a thing of the past.
How the Middle Class Will Democratize Russia
11 January 12
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinski
Twenty years ago, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned, the Soviet Union ended and Russia began an imperfect transition to democratic capitalism — a transition that has proven to be far more difficult than expected. And yet the recent protests — somewhat similar to those that preceded the end of the Soviet Union — provide grounds for cautious optimism about the future.
Why Russia Is So Unhappy – In Its Own Way
17 June 11
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place as the global economy is facing new challenges. These challenges are certainly less troublesome that those in fall 2008 when the global financial system seemed to be falling apart, or in 2009 when the global economy declined for the first time in a decade.
The Purge of the Kremlin Chairmen
13 April 11
By Aleh Tsyvinski and Sergei Guriev
In recent days, President Dmitry Medvedev has moved against some of the most powerful men in the government. He recently signed a decree to strip Igor Sechin and others of their chairmanships of some of Russia's biggest state-owned companies. The stated purpose of the decree was to improve the country's investment climate, but the purge may reflect other, more important goals.
Prisoners of the Red Army
24 February 11
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinski
During Soviet times, Feb. 23 was called the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy and celebrated the creation of the Red Army. (The holiday received its current name in 2006.) Unfortunately, Feb. 23 is not the only remaining relic of the Red Army. Another Soviet military legacy is the system of obligatory conscription.
That ’70s Show in Russia
05 August 10
By Aleh Tsyvinski and Sergei Guriev
Can Russia escape the “resource curse” implied by high oil prices, or will it succumb to what we call a “70-80” scenario: Brezhnevian political climate, stagnating economy and high approval ratings for its political leaders?
Sailing Toward Soviet Stagnation
17 June 10
This Thursday marks the start of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Because it is an annual event, we can compare what was important at various forums. This week's agenda shows that Russia is now more interested in long-term issues.
Modernization — 1937
25 November 09
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinsky
In denying Magnitsky medical treatment, law enforcement officials used the same methods as the NKVD.
Sochi's Olympic Windfall
04 May 09
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinsky
Do the Olympic Games benefit the host country? It depends on whom you ask.
Rescuing Russia From Collapse
10 February 09
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinski
Russia's economy is collapsing, but the situation could be even worse. The global economic crisis has finally forced the government to adopt sensible policies, thereby staving off disaster -- at least for now
Moving Away From Distrust
02 February 09
By Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinski
The relationship between Russia and the West has been rocky in 2008 in terms of diplomatic relations and foreign investment.
Enron, Yukos and the Gatekeepers
02 December 04
A defining feature of modern Russia's political and economic landscape -- the Yukos case -- has been interpreted very differently inside Russia and in the West.
The Quest for 2nd Term Economic Success
26 March 04
Although most independent observers agree that last week's presidential election was unfair, there is little doubt that Vladimir Putin would have won re-election by a landslide even in an honest election.
