Anders in Wonderland: Comments on Russia's economic transformation under Putin

A prominent American specialist on the Russian economy comments on economic policy under Putin in light of a preceding paper on the subject by Anders Aslund. While suggesting that Aslund's paper represents "a remarkably detailed and convincing description of Vladimir Putin's economic reform," the author proceeds to counter most aspects of Aslund's characterization and analysis. Russia's economic growth since Putin's ascent to power is largely attributed to the jump in world oil prices and windfall profits from oil exports.