Overview

Russia today is as prominent in international affairs as it was at the height of the Cold War. Yet the role that the economy plays in supporting Russia's position as a great power on the international stage is poorly understood. For many, Russia's political influence far exceeds its weight in the global economy. However, Russia is not only one of the world's most important exporters of oil and gas, but also of other natural resources, such as diamonds and gold. Its status as one of the largest wheat and grain exporters shapes commodity prices across the globe, while Russia's enormous arms industry, second only to the United States, provides it with the means to pursue an increasingly assertive foreign policy. All this means that Russia's economy is crucial in serving the country's political objectives, both within Russia and across the world. This Very Short Introduction introduces listeners to the dimensions of the Russian economy that are often ignored by the media, or exaggerated and misunderstood. In doing so, it shows how Russia's economy is one of global significance, and helps explain why many of Russia's enduring features, such as the heavy hand of the state and the emphasis on military-industrial production, have persisted despite the immense changes that took place after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

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John Pruden is a professional voice actor who, through his company, Voice Acting With Character, records audiobooks as well as corporate and online training narrations, animation and video game characters, and radio and TV commercials. His exposure to many people, places, and experiences throughout his life--from his many jobs while a young man; to his Army service as a UH-60 Black Hawk assault helicopter pilot; to his travels through forty-four US states, South America, Europe, and Asia; to his experience in professional improvisation and singing--provides a solid creative foundation from which to draw for his intelligent audiobook narration and talented vocal characterizations. His audiobook narration of The Killing of Crazy Horse by Thomas Powers was chosen by the Washington Post as a Best Audiobook of 2010. Richard Connolly is director of the Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies (CREES) at the University of Birmingham. He is a specialist on the political economy of Russia and has published widely on Russia's energy and defense industries, Russia's role in the global economy, and on how sanctions affected Russia. Dr. Connolly has advised a wide range of governments and private-sector organizations.

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