ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses how Russia’s distinctive traditions of law—and lawlessness—will shape, and perhaps cripple, Russia’s struggle for economic reform; and second, what impact Russia’s chosen path of reform had on the development of rule of law after the collapse of the communist regime. It offers a comparative, empirical analysis of the relation between constitutional order and economic reform programs in transition economies. The book shows that the establishment of a constitutional order early in the reform process can be beneficial for, but the concentration of power in the hands of a president is detrimental to, the adoption of comprehensive and far-reaching economic reform programs. It analyzes the economic causes of crime and corruption. Using comparative data from several transition economies, the chapter suggests that the extent of lawlessness in present-day Russia is exaggerated.