Transition to Market Economy in Eastern Europe: Interest Groups and Political Institutions in Russia

摘要: The article analyzes the causes of incoherent reformprogram in Russia last decade. It argues that slow and partial policies can be attributed to a viscous combination lobbyism constitutional design. Because post-communist transitions after 1989 were non violent “velvet revolutions,” old state monopolies not removed. State have small-group advantages contrast large group private firms, which are numerous yet organized. leads an asymmetrical pattern favor non-transition, only mitigated by establishing dispersed political institutions, raise price on rent-seeking. In centralized institutions past replaced. Hence, inherited both interest groups late communist era – unfortunate starting point for carrying out comprehensive economic reforms. Free trade with West potential competition may put pressure monopolies. However, lobbies European Union oppose free maintain their monopoly.