Articles by R G Gidadhubli

The Russian economy faced a serious crisis in 2009, triggered by the global recession but aggravated by domestic policy defi ciencies, including an overdependence on oil exports, a lack of diversifi cation, overcentralisation of decision-making and widespread corruption. The huge infl ow of petrodollars, with rising international prices for hydrocarbon resources until the middle of 2008, had made the Russian leadership complacent. The economic crisis resulted in worsening conditions of infrastructure, rising unemployment, labour strikes, and widening income disparities. Given the magnitude of the decline in 2009 and the persistence of many problems, not much of a relief is likely in 2010 for the people of Russia.

Russia's economy has been booming under Putin, but is this based on strong foundations for sustained growth?

With huge oil and natural gas resources, Russia is aiming not only to maximise its economic gain from energy exports, but also to regain the countryâ??s earlier powerful position in the world. This article examines how energy has been used as an instrument to enhance Russiaâ??s global political ambitions.

With Viktor Yushchenko's convincing victory, Ukraine has entered a new phase in the post-Soviet era. Even as commentators continue to discuss the election, several questions arise. What factors contributed to the victory of Yushchenko and why did Viktor Yanukovich lose? Why was there such a great interest by Russia and the west in the election? What are the challenges the country might face in the near future?

US analysts see the case against Russia's two billionaires in a Moscow court as a trial of the country's democratic and political institutions. Russia is seen to have failed in completing a successful transition to a stable secure democratic society.