Frye reveals how much we overlook about today's Russia when we focus solely on Putin or Russian exceptionalism, bringing a new understanding to a host of crucial questions: How popular is Putin? Is Russian propaganda effective? Why are relations with the West so fraught? Can Russian cyber warriors really swing foreign elections?
The Perils of Polarized Democracy
The examination of state-building and market-building in 25 post-communist countries reveals that democracy can enhance economic reform and state institutions when political polarization is low. However, heightened polarization undermines these benefits, leading to less stable policies. Timothy Frye's analysis spans from 1990 to 2004, highlighting the intricate relationship between political dynamics and economic outcomes in the context of post-communist transitions.
Using six original surveys, this work challenges conventional understandings of Russia's politics and economics through an analysis of property battles.