Oligopoly: Wealth and Power in New Russia

Author: David Hoffman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Highly recommended by Mr. Ling Zijun, author of "Confrontation" and "Change": David Hoffman weaves a grand historical tapestry with countless fascinating details. It is not just the story of six individuals but also a true reflection of the nation, and there are striking similarities between it and what happens around us. This monumental work profoundly records the sweeping social transformation of Russia, a century-long struggle for power, wealth, and democracy! It is a highly readable book. Hoffman vividly and elaborately narrates the complex and corrupt relationship between the post-Soviet Russian political elite and the new oligarchs. He also examines the early careers of the Russian giants with a fresh and engaging perspective. David Hoffman has written a monumental work. "The Oligarchs" chronicles the rise of six oligarchs who led Russia through unprecedented and stark attempts to transform from a tightly controlled social system to a market-based capitalist system. The book spans 15 years, from 1985 when Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the ideas of "reform and openness" to 1999 when Yeltsin resigned. Hoffman vividly and elaborately narrates the complex and corrupt relationship between the post-Soviet Russian political elite and the new oligarchs This book is about the history of six men who helped lead Russia through the most daunting experiment in its history, transforming a massive nation steeped in socialism into a market-based capitalist society. These six individuals are Boris Berezovsky, a risk-taking political fixer; Vladimir Gusinsky, an ambitious media mogul; Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a resolute oil tycoon; Alexander Smolensky, a pragmatic banker; Anatoly Chubais, a tough economic reformer; and Yuri Luzhkov, the powerful mayor of Moscow.