Russia's Dependence on Raw Materials 'Humiliating'

{
  "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": [
    "Caucasus",
    "Russia"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform",
    "Economy"
  ]
}

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
- Maria Lipman

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.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Commentary
Carnegie Politika
What Does War in the Middle East Mean for Russia–Iran Ties?
If the regime in Tehran survives, it could be obliged to hand Moscow significant political influence in exchange for supplies of weapons and humanitarian aid.
Nikita Smagin
Commentary
Carnegie Politika
How Trump’s Wars Are Boosting Russian Oil Exports
The interventions in Iran and Venezuela are in keeping with Trump’s strategy of containing China, but also strengthen Russia’s position.
Mikhail Korostikov
Commentary
Emissary
Iran Is Pushing Its Neighbors Toward the United States
Tehran’s attacks are reshaping the security situation in the Middle East—and forcing the region’s clock to tick backward once again.
Amr Hamzawy
Commentary
Emissary
The Gulf Monarchies Are Caught Between Iran’s Desperation and the U.S.’s Recklessness
Only collective security can protect fragile economic models.
Andrew Leber
Commentary
Sada
Duqm at the Crossroads: Oman’s Strategic Port and Its Role in Vision 2040
In a volatile Middle East, the Omani port of Duqm offers stability, neutrality, and opportunity. Could this hidden port become the ultimate safe harbor for global trade?
Giorgio Cafiero, Samuel Ramani

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

What Does War in the Middle East Mean for Russia–Iran Ties?

If the regime in Tehran survives, it could be obliged to hand Moscow significant political influence in exchange for supplies of weapons and humanitarian aid.

Nikita Smagin

Commentary

Carnegie Politika

How Trump’s Wars Are Boosting Russian Oil Exports

The interventions in Iran and Venezuela are in keeping with Trump’s strategy of containing China, but also strengthen Russia’s position.

Mikhail Korostikov

Commentary

Emissary

Iran Is Pushing Its Neighbors Toward the United States

Tehran’s attacks are reshaping the security situation in the Middle East—and forcing the region’s clock to tick backward once again.

Amr Hamzawy

Commentary

Emissary

The Gulf Monarchies Are Caught Between Iran’s Desperation and the U.S.’s Recklessness

Only collective security can protect fragile economic models.

Andrew Leber

Commentary

Sada

Duqm at the Crossroads: Oman’s Strategic Port and Its Role in Vision 2040

In a volatile Middle East, the Omani port of Duqm offers stability, neutrality, and opportunity. Could this hidden port become the ultimate safe harbor for global trade?

Giorgio Cafiero, Samuel Ramani