Power(lessness)
Russia’s Commodity Magnates
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
It is believed that one of the core elements of the Putin system has been breaking the power of the oligarchs. This proposition as such is untenable. Although some big employers had to go into exile, and an example was made of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Nonetheless, most commodity tycoons still hold an important place. Their companies are essential to Russia’s economy. In the management of operations, they are largely independent. Furthermore, they are by no means excluded from the decision-making process. However, it also follows that they are not to be counted on as a driving force behind any upheaval in Russia.
(Osteuropa 6-8/2012, pp. 145–162)