Putin's Labor Dilemma: Russian Politics between Stability and Stagnation

In Putin's Labor Dilemma, Stephen Crowley investigates how the fear of labor protest has inhibited substantial economic transformation in Russia. The fear of labor protest has prevented economic transformation in Russia, but continuing to prop up Russia's Soviet-era workplaces could lead to declining wages and economic stagnation, threatening protest and instability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In his insightful book, "Putin's Labor Dilemma," Stephen Crowley delves into the profound impact of the fear of labor protest on the economic transformation of Russia. Despite Putin's claims of support from workers in the country's industrial heartland, the reality is that as Russia's economic growth slows, revitalizing the economy will necessitate a restructuring of its industrial landscape. This undertaking, however, carries the risk of provoking protests and instability from a crucial regime constituency. Crowley argues that continuing to maintain Russia's Soviet-era workplaces, while appealing to nostalgia, could lead to declining wages and economic stagnation, ultimately fueling protests and instability.

Crowley's exploration of the Russian labor market reveals several key dynamics. Firstly, the market generally avoids mass unemployment, thanks to government policies that prioritize job creation. Secondly, Russia's monotowns, characterized by their concentration of industries and workers, play a significant role in the country's economic landscape. However, conflicts arising from massive downsizing in Russia's Detroit-like regions, known as Tol yatti, highlight the potential for social unrest. Lastly, the rapid politicization of the truck drivers movement further underscores the complex social and political dynamics at play in Russia.

While labor protests currently do not pose a significant threat to Putin's hold on power, the manner in which they are conducted indicates the existence of deep-rooted chronic problems that will be challenging to address. "Putin's Labor Dilemma" serves as a stark reminder that the Russian economy must either find new sources of economic growth or face stagnation. Both scenarios, market reforms or economic stagnation, raise the possibility, even probability, of destabilizing social unrest.

In conclusion, "Putin's Labor Dilemma" is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the complex relationship between labor protests, economic transformation, and political stability in Russia. Through his meticulous analysis, Crowley provides valuable insights into the challenges facing the Russian government as it seeks to navigate the complexities of the modern economy. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of Russia's political and economic landscape.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501756276