The Economy

This chapter explores the enigmatic facets of the Russian economy, especially amidst the economic impact of the Russo-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, challenging prevalent assumptions. Employing a dialectic approach, the chapter assesses the influence of powerful oligarchs on Russian politics and the pivotal role of the fossil fuels industry. It aims to unravel the mystery surrounding Russia’s economic resilience, considering short-term dependencies on energy resources and the long-term transition away from fossil fuels.