Russia - will it be Putin's way?

The bureaucratic machine was strong during the Soviet era, and so it remains, but now it contributes to both economic inefficiency and corruption. The market-oriented system to which the country has switched was supposed to be progressive. People’s expectations of open opportunities, healthy competition, and buyer-friendly markets have received a rude shock.

Russians are still shell-shocked by how national assets, under western patronage, were transferred to a few communist youth league members (Cosmosol). The oligarchic capitalism they now experience is a far cry from the European style of democratic capitalism. The current economic system displays the characteristics of political, economic, media control and oligarchic exploitation. Where is the system of open opportunities, market-oriented democratic system with general prosperity that they were seeking?

Moscow alone has more than 84 oligarchs, and the metropolis has become a captive market for western goods. Many oligarchs, owners of ill-gotten national assets, have transferred their wealth to safe havens abroad, fearing accountability.

The current leadership arrangements are enigmatic at best. The dual system of governance will face many difficult problems. Academics are waiting with their fingers crossed to see how the Putin-Medvedev leadership team will work. Nonetheless, people are generally optimistic about the future. The leadership initiatives from Medvedev seem favourable.

This youthful leader, according to many, is highly intelligent, flexible, western-oriented, and more democratic. Putin will support him in order to preserve his lasting legacy of remarkable political and economic achievement.

The general public is weary and disappointed by the western response to Gorbachev’s historic decision to dismantle the Soviet empire, the communist economic system and relinquish control over Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. Academics accuse the west of engaging in a new cold war posture by starting an arms race, the eastward expansion of NATO, and the US plans for a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe - without offering Russia anything in return.

One Russian colleague bitterly spoke of poor trade-offs. He said, while pointing at the Gorbachev Foundation building on Lenin Ave in the central district of Moscow, “this is what we got in return for giving away East Germany”.

In conclusion, the Russians dismiss notions of any changes to Russia after May 8, 2008. One must respect the Russian academic’s sentiment of a more prosperous Russia and creating a peaceful and progressive world order. Dealing with the tough and complicated issues of today a bold and visionary leadership is essential. Mustering political will and commitment on the part of leadership to advance the agenda of peace and progress is needed now more than ever before. The fruits of inaction and business-as-usual would mean the whole world will keep suffering.