Russian Centrism and Revolutionary Transitions

Abstract

An American political scientist documents the evolution of the influence during 1992-93 of the Russian centrist organization, Civic Union, interpreting its dynamics with reference to a suggested theory of “peaceful revolutions.” The study is based on extensive and repeated interviews in Russia with leaders of the organization and directors of state enterprises, and on documentary evidence collected in Russia and elsewhere from mid-1992 through September 1993. Included is a review of the centrist orientation towards economic reform, involving rejection of shock therapy, privatization favoring enterprise directors and workers, wage and price controls, and restrictions on foreign investment. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: P21, H11, L33.