Schedule of the course on Russian economy, Fall 2020
Time of all lectures is 10:15-11:45
Lecture 1: History of the Russian economy: 26.10.2020, Mon
Brief description: In this lecture the history of the Russian economy from the Tsar Russia (starting form Peter the Great) to Soviet Union (up to Brezhnev period) will be discussed. In this discussion particular attention will be paid to political institutions, political and economic environment and the history of economic system`s transformation in Russia.
Lecture 2: Russian economic transformation: 28.10.2020, Wed
Brief description: In this lecture Russia`s economic transition from the year of 1989 will be discussed. In particular, we will focus on the stages of transition, reforms, privatization, and consequences of the transition for the economic development of Russia.
Lecture 3: Sectoral analysis of the Russian economy: 02.11.2020, Mon
Brief description: In this lecture, we will talk about structural changes in the Russian economy in recent three decades. The discussion will include an in-depth analysis of main industries and the concept of Dutch disease and its application to Russia.
Lecture 4: Economic Geography of Russia: 04.11.2020, Wed
Brief description: In this lecture the following issues will be discussed: 1) Physical geography of Russia (i.e. natural constraints to the distribution of economic activity over the territory), including geography of natural resources, climate, and land quality in modern Russia; 2) Population geography of Russia: history and modern patterns (including migration); 3) Economic Geography of Russia, including distribution of economic activities across Russia; Russian urban system (size, location, functions of Russian cities); Russian regions (economy, growth, investment, inequality); industrial clusters.
Lecture 5: Guest lecture on Russian railways: 09.11.2020, Mon
Guest lecturer: Marta Malik, Aalto University School of Business; former employee of Russian railways company
Brief description: Russian railways` geography and functioning will be discussed.
Lecture 5a: Public sector in Russia: 09.11.2020, Mon
If the time remains from guest lecture on Russian railways, I will talk on Public sector of Russia. Otherwise, this topic will be part of your self-studying.
Brief description: We will discuss public sector in the Soviet Union and present Russia; government debt of Russia; fiscal policy in Russia.
Lecture 6: Labor market in Russia: 11.11.2020, Wed
Brief description: In this lecture, first, the issues on how the Russian labor market has been evolving over last three decades will be discussed. The issues on educational system in Russia (with emphasize on the professional education, i.e. college and university education) and how it is linked to labor market will be also given consideration.
Lecture 7: Guest lecture on financial sector of Russia: 16.11.2020, Mon
Guest lecturer: Dr. Laura Solanko, Senior Adviser of Bank of Finland.
Lecture 8: Russian economy under sanctions: 23.11.2020, Mon
Brief description: In this lecture we will discuss economic and political causes and consequences of Ukraine-Russia crisis, Western sanctions on Russia and counter-sanctions of Russia and Russia`s economic development under sanctions.
Lecture 9: International Economic Relations of Russia: 25.11.2020, Wed
Brief description: In this lecture we will discuss international investment and trade cooperation of Russia, historical and present trends. We also briefly discuss Russia`s participation in international organizations like IMF, WTO, etc.
Lecture 10: Eurasian Economic Union, FSU and Russia: 27.11.2020, Fri
Brief description: In this lecture, economic (and political (when relevant)) relationships of Russia with former soviet states and relevant international organizations will be discussed. Issues related to current Russia`s relationships with Ukraine and Belorussia, Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasian Union/integration will be given special consideration.
Lecture 11: Guest lecture on state economic policies in Russia: 30.12.2020, Mon
Guest lecturer: Dr., Prof. Vera Kononova, Moscow State University Business School and Deputy Head of research of Institute for Complex Strategic Studies
Brief description:
In this lecture we will focus on fiscal and monetary policy issues of Russian Government and the Central Bank of Russia in recent years, including the Anti-crisis plan of the Russian Government, re-consideration of budget spending, recapitalization of banks. We would also discuss the controversy of inflation targeting goals set by the Central Bank of Russia and the necessity to support the economy in crisis. The specific attention would be put on the budget subsidies aimed to lower the interest rates for home loans, car loans and loans for SME.
Lecture 12: Group homework presentations: Case study: 02.12.2020, Wed
Moderators: Vera Kononova, Svetlana Ledyaeva
