About CSIS

The working papers are intended for an academic audience, and are thus longer and more in-depth examinations of research agendas and questions. The working papers are intended to promote discussion and constructive criticisms from readers both within and outside of PONARS.

PONARS publications are funded through the International Peace and Security Program of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Program on Global Security and Sustainability of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The views expressed in these publications are those of the author alone. Publication of these series does not imply endorsement by PONARS, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Carnegie Corporation, or the MacAuthur Foundation.


Recent Working Papers issue:

No 26 - Great Promise Unfulfilled: How Russia lost its way after independence
By Dmitry Gorenburg with H. H. Gaffney (February 2006)

This paper reviews the most important events in Russian history since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It focuses on general trends in Russian development as the country underwent a triple transition to democracy, market economy, and federal state. At first, Russia hoped to quickly become part of the world community and to join the ranks of the fully developed market economies. The failure of market reforms through at least 1998 to improve living standards among the vast majority of the population, the rapid increase in crime and corruption in the country, and the waning of Russian influence in world affairs all combined to create a climate of disillusionment with the post-communist transition.


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