Putinomics

Money and Power in Resurgent Russia

By: Chris Miller

Narrated by: Traber Burns

In Putinomics, Chris Miller examines the making of Russian economic policy since Vladimir Putin took power in 1999. Miller argues that despite Russia's corruption, cronyism, territorial expropriation, and over-dependency on oil as an economic driver, Putin's economic strategy has functioned far more effectively than most Westerners realize. While acknowledging that part of Putin's successes - above all, quadrupling per capita GDP in just a decade and a half - can be attributed to cashing in on high oil prices, Miller details the government policies that have also been fundamental to Russia's growth, which has outpaced and outperformed comparable petro-states like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

While many scholars have long agreed that Russia has combined reasonably successful macroeconomic policies with mediocre micro policies, Miller argues that this dichotomy has not seeped very far into public debate. Thus, Putinomics at once analyzes Russia's political economy in a way that nonspecialists can comprehend and complicates our understanding of contemporary Russia.

©2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Illuminating, pre-2022 look at Russian government

I really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of how the Russian government manages society. They use a combination of a bloated welfare system and periodic crackdowns to maintain order. At least until recently.

Very informative and detailed

Seems to be a lot of factual information presented in a non biased fashion. I really learned a lot. Good narration. very enjoyable

Excellent book!

Fascinating and thorough explanation of the transition from the Soviet economy to Putin's Russia. Seemingly unbiased toward the West, Miller's arguments are accessible, objective, and devoid of any agenda. Excellent analytical work and captivating storytelling.

A solid history of Modern Russian Economics and Politics.

After reading Chip Wars, I picked this up and was immediately impressed again. Never picking a side, Chris in his no fluff manner goes about demystifying one of the world’s most misunderstood nations and the factors that drive its leaders to make the decisions they do. A must read for anyone interested in the modern Russian nation.

Informative Even if Skewed

Highly informative description of the Russian economy under the direct and indirect leadership of Vladimir Putin. Unfortunately it falls victim to the common practice of bias against Putin, although the author does manage to eek out some credit to the man maligned so frequently by the West. As a US citizen observing the actions of Russia under the leadership of Putin I am impressed. The government stands as an exemplary model of fiscal discipline, in stark contrast to the profligacy of the West.

Interesting researched book.

Excellent expose of the Kremlins corruption must read for would be socialist wack job voters

Insightful book on Russia

I found Miller's previous book, The Struggle To Save The Soviet Economy to be an excellent explanation for why the USSR broke up. Now Miller explains what has happened since and enables one to understand the constraints within which Russian policy makers operate.

Putin has to put stability ahead of economic efficiency. Though he's well aware of which policies would boost economic development and he tries to pursue them within the limits imposed by the need for political stability.

I am surprised that the Russian government only collects 15% GDP in taxes or that corruption is not the top concern of Russian businesses. Also, the need to please pensioners is a major concern.

It doesn't seem likely to me that a different leader, selected by a more democratic process, would govern Russia better. Rather, I would expect big budget deficits if a leader had an ever greater need to cater to public opinion.

Report up to 2018, elementary economics

Sort of like a light NYTIMES article. Useful, but not very deep. This is not Masha Gessen. It is not even Brookings Institute level.

interesting

gives a good big picture view of Putin's political, economic, and geopolitical strategy and his governing coalition and tactics. names quite objectively both the successes, failures, and limits of his regime of the past couple decades.

Go find something better

Russia's economy revolves around oil. Congrats, I just saved you 8 hours of your life. if you're expecting to learn something new/interesting about Russia, lower your expectations; like a lot.