Reform in 10 regional capitals along the Volga River is associated with favorable initial conditions. And both reform and favorable initial conditions are associated with relatively successful economic outcomes, except where access to extra resources improves outcomes or where weak government undermines success.

Reform in 10 regional cap ...

In the years since 1989, the societies of Russia and Eastern Europe have undergone a remarkable transformation from socialism to democracy and free market capitalism. Making an important contribution to the theoretical literature of urbanism and post-communist transition, this significant book considers the change in the spatial structure of post-Soviet urban spaces since the period of transition began. It argues that the era of transformation can be considered as largely complete, and that this has given way to a new stage of development as part of the global urban and economic system: post-transformation. The authors examine the modern trends in the urban development of western and post-socialist countries, and explore the theories of the transformation and post-transformation of urban space. Providing a wealth of detailed qualitative research on the Russian city of St. Petersburg, the study examines the changing structure of its retail trade and services sector. Overall, this book is an important step forward in the study of the spatial dynamics of urban transformation in the former communist world.

From the John Holmes Library collection.

Through a compilation of foreign policy documents and statements, harnessed together by a section of analytic works, this book seeks to highlight the shift in Russian foreign policy at the beginning of the twenty-first century. This compilation presents the work of formative scholars in this field who are concerned with the evolution of Russia Foreign policy thinking and behavior. This volume compiles critical documents and statements (treaties, addresses and articles) that deal with the formation of new conceptions of security in the New World order. The articles critically evaluate the implications of these new initiatives and lend insight to these documents and statements in practice. They address a wide range of topics from the crisis in Kosovo to domestic Russian policy, with an eye to the future of Russian policy.

Historically, the United States and Russia have had an enigmatic relationship, and the decade since the end of the Cold War has not completely cleared the ambiguity between the two nations. Russia itself faces several problem areas in its ongoing transition from communism and the old Soviet government to democratic society. Among Russia's quandaries are the war with Chechnyan separatists, organised crime, government corruption, arms control, the emergence of free markets, and international relations with NATO and the UN. The start of the American-led war on terrorism has brought Russia even more into focus as a key ally in opposing insurgency and militants. This book studies the wide array of dilemmas facing Russia both domestically and internationally.