Russian Path Dependence

A People with a Troubled History

Stefan Hedlund author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:20th Jan '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Russian Path Dependence cover

Russia's transition to a market economy has been tortuous to say the least. However, this book argues that the arguments and counter-arguments that pitch shock therapy against gradualism are wide of the mark and quite pointless.
Indeed, the reasons for the warped outcomes can actually be traced back through the long sweep of Russian history. Decisions made in the distant past can fully influence policy- making in the present. Hedlund's thesis can, like this, be seen as influenced by the 'path dependency' theories of Paul David among others.

'Hedlund deserves praise for not only taking the long view but also bringing into his discussion such peoples as the Genoese, the Venetians and the Maghribi ... congratulations to Heslund for discussing in depth the long course of Russian development that other economists tend to neglect. Undoubtedly, he does a far better job on history than most historians would do on economics.' - Paul Dukes in Revolutionary Russia

"This is an engaging, erudite imaginative study... a highly important book for anyone interested in whether and how the weight of history has consequences for contemporary and future Russia." - Russian Review

"The book manifests the author's rich knowledge of Russian history, economics, and political science theory and should appeal to a wide readership."

--Hilary Appel, Claremont McKenna College, Slavic Review


'Heslund deserves praise for not only taking the long view but also bringing into his discussion such peoples as the Genoese, the Venetians and the Maghribi ... congratulations to Heslund for discussing in depth the long course of Russian development that other economists tend to neglect. Undoubtedly, he does a far better job on history than most historians would do on economics.' - Paul Dukes in Revolutionary Russia

"This is an engaging, erudite imaginative study... a highly important book for anyone interested in whether and how the weight of history has consequences for contemporary and future Russia." - Russian Review

ISBN: 9780415354004

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 748g

398 pages