• Research
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie India logoCarnegie lettermark logo
Technology
{
  "authors": [
    "Maria Lipman"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center",
  "programAffiliation": "",
  "programs": [],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [],
  "topics": []
}
In The Media
Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

McDonald's Marks 20 Years in Russia

In 1990, when the Russian economy was falling apart and Russia was suffering from acute food shortages, the first McDonald's opened in Moscow, offering a new experience of food service.

Link Copied
By Maria Lipman
Published on Feb 3, 2010

Source: PRI's The World

Twenty years ago, when the Soviet economy was practically falling apart and Russia was suffering acute food shortages, the first McDonald's opened in Moscow and offered not only a new kind of food, but also an unfamiliar and welcoming customer service.

Discussing the difficult times in 1990, Masha Lipman remembers: "People were basically hunting for food. If you were walking down the street and saw a line, you would stop, and forget about other doings to get at least something. Even things as basic as milk."

Maria Lipman
Former Scholar in Residence, Society and Regions Program, Editor in Chief, Pro et Contra, Moscow Center
Maria Lipman

Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie India

  • Commentary
    AI Adoption Journey for Population Scale

    Connecting real-world AI use cases across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and livelihoods can help policymakers, innovators, and institutions align around a shared goal. This article looks at a framework ensuring that AI works for everyone.

      Shalini Kapoor, Tanvi Lall

  • Commentary
    The Impact of U.S. Sanctions and Tariffs on India’s Russian Oil Imports

    This piece examines India’s response to U.S. sanctions and tariffs, specifically assessing the immediate market consequences, such as alterations in import costs, and the broader strategic implications for India’s energy security and foreign policy orientation.

      Vrinda Sahai

  • Article
    The State of Digital Transformation in Pacific Island Countries

    Pacific Island Countries are at a pivotal moment in their digital journeys. Across the region, there is growing recognition of digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, resilience, and global connectivity.

      Shruti Mittal, Adarsh Ranjan

  • Article
    Revisiting the Usage of Refurbished Equipment in India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

    This article looks at the progress of the Semiconductor Laboratory fab modernization plan based on publicly available documents, and potential learnings for future upgrades to government-owned fabs and India’s larger semiconductor ecosystem, especially regarding the use of refurbished equipment.

      Shruti Mittal, Konark Bhandari

  • Article
    Military Lessons from Operation Sindoor

    The India-Pakistan conflict that played out between May 6 and May 10, 2025, offers several military lessons. This article presents key takeaways from Operation Sindoor and breaks down how India’s preparations shaped the outcome and what more is needed to strengthen future readiness.

      Dinakar Peri

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie India
Carnegie India logo, white
Unit C-4, 5, 6, EdenparkShaheed Jeet Singh MargNew Delhi – 110016, IndiaPhone: 011-40078687
  • Research
  • About
  • Experts
  • Projects
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie India
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.