CIAO DATE: 07/04

The Choice for Russia: Compete or Fail

Abstract

Russia is at a crossroads. Current levels of national economic growth cannot be sustained without significantly restructuring the country´s economic system. If economic growth is not sustained, financing for important social reforms will face serious strains, and expectations that have been built up among the Russian population over the past five years will go unrealized. As a result, the political system and the population´s long-term well being will be put at risk. To counter this danger, Russia needs to change its national consciousness awayfrom social paternalism and towards competitiveness. This needs to be implemented in a way that Russian citizens, politicians and business people can understand and support. Russia can only meet its expectations of long-term growth and a higher overall standard of living by increasing levels of competitiveness across sectors and delivering tangible and positive results to its citizens.

Full text (PDF, 17 pages, 129.1)