Govenrment and Business Environment Case Study

Putin vs the Oligarchs: The Future of Russian Business

OR

Abstract:
During the Russian privatisation programme of the 1990s, Russia's natural resources were transferred into the hands of a few politically well-connected oligarchs which were widely considered to be underhanded deals. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who took over from Yeltsin has targeted the oligarchs, most recently Mikhail Khodorkovsky in 2003. This alarmed foreign investors and had a negative impact on foreign investments in Russia. But many investors have been unable to resist the appeal of Russia's abundant natural resources including oil.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the Russian privatisation programme of the 1990s
• To discuss whether the actions initiated by Putin against the oligarchs would have a long-term detrimental impact on Russian business
• To discuss the attractiveness of Russia as an investment destination.

Keywords : Vladimir Putin, Oligarchs,Government and Business Environment Case Study, Privatisation programme, Loan-for-shares, Mikhail Khodorkovsky,Business Environment Case Study, Boris Berezovsky, Vladimir Gusinsky, Vladimir Potanin, Yukos, Sibneft, Norilsk Nickel, Anatoly Chubais, Foreign investment, Capital flight, Credit rating agencies