Russia: Facing The Future. A Report of Carnegie Corporation of New York (Russian edition)

This report focuses on the current paradox of Russia's transformation: After years of peacefully contending with the travails of decline and beginnings of recovery, a quasi-democratic/quasi-market system has emerged in Russia that is curiously stable in the short term, but distorts the processes of further reforms and is ill-prepared to cope with the deep-seated, multidimensional socioeconomic crisis that looms on the country's horizon. The purpose of the report is to present a pragmatic appraisal of the basic challenges and trajectory of Russia's transition, and a consistent set of recommendations for bolstering the effectiveness of U.S. efforts to encourage successful transformation. Drawing on the findings of four expert study groups that analyzed the crosscutting effects of Russia's political, economic, social and national security transition, this report examines the challenges and complexities confronting Russia's path from dysfunctional to sustainable stability, identifying the critical national interests at stake for both Russia and the U.S. in continued progress. It also assesses alternative scenarios for Russia, highlighting both the limits to radical democratic transformation or fundamental authoritarian reversion, as well as the remaining opportunities for modest but progressive change. The report then recommends strategic guidelines for America's extensive re-engagement of Russia that avoid the pitfalls of either micromanaging or abandoning the cause of reform, while building on realistic expectations of Russia's internal development in light of the challenges ahead and U.S. priorities.

Citation: Stulberg, Adam N., Russia: Facing The Future. A Report of Carnegie Corporation of New York (Russian edition) (Carnegie Corporation of New York, 2001)

Program: International Peace and Security