Lesson 7: Oil and Oligarchy in Putin’s Russia

February 4, 2020

Review:

• Quiz 03
• European Union
• Sovereign Debt Crisis

Presentation:

• Russia and Central Asia Geography
• Map Quiz Game
• Geopolitical Constraints (from Mapping Russia’s Strategy by George Friedman)
  • Map Deck
• Oil & Gas Contribution to Russian Economy
  • ~15% of GDP
  • 52% of Government Revenue
  • >70% of Export Revenue
  • Sources: Worldbank, EIA
• Oil Prices (NY Times article)
  • Putin elected President in 2000
  • Until 2015 oil prices had gone up steadily, except during the 2008-2009 global recession

• Sphere of Influence: Russia’s Foreign Policy
• Russian Oligarchy
  • Organized Crime power structure
  • Pay “tribute” to power brokers above you
  • Pueblo connection: EVRAZ owner Roman Abromovich (Forbes)

Assignment:

• Read A Hollow Superpower (Economist article)
• Watch Putin’s Way (Frontline video)