This book is about the use of economic and state capture levers for achieving political clout. It details how Moscow has been able to exploit governance deficits and influence decision-making in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe through a range of economic means. The comparative country by country perspective on Russia's corporate presence, trade, and investment in particular sectors of the region, especially energy, shows the patterns of the Kremlin's use of economic presence and state capture tactics to amplify political and social leverage. By collating economic data with an analysis of governance loopholes and the political process, the authors reveal the Kremlin's methods for swaying national policies, especially through the exploitation of governance failures in these countries. The book thereby highlights how Russia's economic power is related to its wider strategic goals. It concludes that Russia's economic grip, both direct and indirect, is tighter than official statistics imply.

About the Author

Ognian Shentov is Chairman of the Center for the Study of Democracy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Ruslan Stefanov is the Director of the Center for the Study of Democracy Economic Program, Sofia, Bulgaria

Martin Vladimirov is an analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Book Information
ISBN 9780367584436
Author Ognian Shentov
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 376g