I think this is probably one of the best news articles I have ever read about Russia (it's from Oct. 16, I just forgot to mention it), entitled "Darkness on the Edge of Monotown." It fully encapsulates the enormous risks shrouding the Russian econo-political system right now. For clarification, the city of Irkutsk is a major city (a surprisingly wealthy one at that - coal), not a monotown as described by this article which are still predominant in this country. The financial crisis has put enormous pressure on everyday people just to get by, and the government is significantly concerned about further unrest. Russia is a truly fascinating country and it's changing so quickly - often it is easy to forget that its been less than 20 years since communism. Had I been born a generation earlier, this country would still be closed to foreigners. Take your best guess at what's going to happen: clearly no one knows, but I'll be among the first.
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Terrific update. Love the picture of Baikal!
ReplyDeleteReally good article. The Russian economy really looks like it on the edge. Amazing how all countries that are dependent on oil and gas become corrupt and incapable of forming a diversified economy.
ReplyDeleteHey Newman - it's been three weeks. It's too cold there to do anything else, so start writing!
ReplyDeleteI forgot all about your blog and funny that I stumblled on to it when I am reading my fovorite novelist's new book Fall of the Gaints. It is about WWI and the economic problems of Russia.I guess Red Doc is right the corrution is just so great in that nation.
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