Course Details in 2022/23 Session

Module Title	LH The Political Economy of Russia
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 31586
Module Lead	Richard Connolly
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	The institutions of the Soviet planned economy are reviewed, together with the system of economic planning and the non-market allocation of resources. The behavioural characteristics of the system are explored and its economic performance analysed. Attempts to reform the system, including the Gorbachev perestroika are investigated and the reasons for the economy's decline and ultimate collapse explored. This understanding of the planned economy provides the basis for a detailed examination of post-communist economic transformation in Russia with some comparisons, when appropriate, with other economies in transition. Issues of macroeconomic stabilisation, domestic and external liberalisation and privatisation are analysed. The 1998 financial crisis and its aftermath is analysed, and the role of Western assistance and investment investigated. In conclusion, prospects for the creation of a viable market economy are explored, with comparisons with China, India and other large emerging economies: what kind of capitalism is evolving in Russia under President Putin and beyond?
Learning Outcomes	By the emd of the module, students should be able to: Critically appreciate the political economy of a non-market system Have an awareness of the concepts and theories surrounding the transformation of planned economic systems to market based economies Have an ability to place the issues and debates surrounding economic transformation into a comparative framework Show an awareness of the contemporary political context of economic transformation in Russia
Assessment	31586-01 : 2000 Word Essay : Coursework (50%) 31586-02 : 2 Hour Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2000 essay (50%) 1 x 2 hour exam (50%) Reassessment: N/A
Other
Reading List