If you're intrigued by the complex transition of Russia's economy and society in the post-Soviet Union, this book is a must-read. The authors offer a compelling analysis of Boris Yeltsin's corrupt decision to pursue a top-down "free-market" revolution, which led to a catastrophic economic collapse and stunted the growth of a democratic government. Through an examination of Western influences, the rise of the nomenklatura, and the emergence of financial oligarchs based off of American concepts, the book sheds light on how these forces helped to shape modern Russia. Rich in historical context and political theory, this insightful work provides a deep understanding of the country's tumultuous journey from Soviet collapse to its current state under near-complete oligarch control.
A highly recommended piece!