Bandits, Gangsters and the Mafia: Russia, the Baltic States and the Cis Since 1991

by Martin McCauley

During the 1990s, the roving bandits, big business or the oligarchs, stole Russia. They gained influence over President Yeltsin and his government, and gradually shaped policy in their own interests. In this first comprehensive account to explain why Russia took the course it did, Martin McCauley examines the period through the prism of government, including Yeltsin's shadow government, and looks at the military, police, security and intelligence...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0582357640
• ISBN13: 9780582357648
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 472 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding book based on secondary sources

Those critics on this page that compare McCauley to the Economist magazine are right. If you enjoy the Economist, you'll enjoy this book, which is also fast paced, demands a understanding of economics, and is written largely in the present tense, which makes it readable. The author sprinkes jokes with the material. I did not get the sense that the author was no-government laisse faire (to the contrary), so don't think this is just a pro-capitalist "Ann Ryan" type rant. Very good book based on secondary sources. I do not feel this book was anti-Russian, just realistic.

An excellent book for an informed mind!

McCauley's book provides, well-written, interesting information on the corruption that riddles Russia's government, hindering it's transition to "market capitalism". However, it is strongly advised that the reader have at least basic knowledge of economic principles/schools of thought (e.g.Monetarists, Keynes, Smith) before reading. An excellent read for anyone new to the wild world of Russian politics, McCauley's work is not weighed down by extensive technical jargon as are other books in this genre. I definitely recommend it!

realistic

I think Martin Mc Cauley has produced a book that demonstrates real insight into the functioning of business in present day Russia. It's not a pretty picture he paints, perhaps even a description of bleak is generous, however it is a totally authentic portrayal and as such deserves to be read.