Russia's Political Culture
Communism: The Ultimate Welfare State
- Communist system provided citizens with everything, but services were simple and luxuries neglected.
- Guaranteed free education, medical care, old age pensions, and employment.
- Decades of this created a “statist” mindset where citizens expected government involvement and equality of result.
The Dismal Experience of Shock Therapy
- Free-market capitalism during Yeltsin years disillusioned many Russians.