Russia's Dependence on Raw Materials 'Humiliating'

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In The Media

Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Russia's Dependence on Raw Materials 'Humiliating'

In his annual address, President Medvedev delivered a critical and shrewd assessment of Russia's state of affairs, but it remains to be seen whether fear of yielding political control will prevent the Kremlin from acting on Medvedev’s bold words.

By Maria Lipman

Published on Nov 13, 2009

Source: ABC Radio National Breakfast

In his annual state-of-the-nation address, President Medvedev lay out an ambitious plan to modernize Russia. His assessment of the state of affairs in Russia was critical and fairly shrewd. Among many issues raised by Medvedev, he especially criticized Russia's 'humiliating' dependence on raw materials as well as pointed out the country's backwardness and corruption. At the same time, Masha Lipman thinks that "they [Medvedev and Putin] are wary of yielding the control for fear of destabilizing the political situation in Russia, which makes the ruling elite unchallenged and uncontested."

About the Author

Maria Lipman

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

Lipman was the editor in chief of the Pro et Contra journal, published by the Carnegie Moscow Center. She was also the expert of the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Society and Regions Program.

Recent Work

Commentary
The Russian State Power and the Ukrainian Human Factor
- Maria Lipman
Commentary
Putin’s Crimean Conquest Pushes Russia to an Anti-Modernization Course
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Political Reform Economy Caucasus Russia

Carnegie 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.

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