MACMILLAN The Political Economy of Russian Aluminium: Between the Dual State and Global Markets (International Political Economy Series)

This book addresses how the progress of the Russian aluminium industry, which has developed into an important global actor, has been influenced by the interaction of global market forces and the evolution of the Russian political system. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian aluminium producers needed to adapt to changing framework conditions, both with regards to the global aluminium market and in Russia. Examining the most important changes in the organization of the global aluminium trade – the reorganization and consolidation of Russian aluminium industry and its ‘oligarchization’ – Godzimirski charts the evolution of the relationship between political and economic power in Russia, and the impact that this development has had on survival and adaptation strategies of key aluminium players in the country. Review “This book will provide the reader an understanding of the Russian aluminium industry as one of the most important segments of the Russian economy. The book shows that the Al industry is on the one hand very strongly connected to global markets, but on the other hand clearly influenced by Russian politics.” (METALL, Vol. 73 (1-2), 2019) Review “In this important book, Godzimirski has filled a major gap in our understanding of the aluminium industry, one of the most important segments of the Russian economy. Based on impressive empirical research, the book at the same time provides an important theoretical contribution to debates about the nature of the Russian economy and its relations with the global market. This is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the dynamics of the Russian polity and economy.” (Richard Sakwa, University of Kent, UK) “The intertwined processes of globalization, consolidation and monopolization of the Russian aluminium industry have been influenced by the changing nature of the Russian state that gradually became the key political and economic player. The book that deals with all these important questions can be very useful for investors and experts in the field of world economy and international relations.” (Evgeny Gontmakher, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia) “A comprehensive account of one of the most important – and most colourful – sectors of the Russian economy.  Economic and commercial issues are well-covered, but the all-important relationship of the sector's leaders with the state receives the lion's share of attention.” (Stephen Fortescue, University of New South Wales, Australia) From the Back Cover This book addresses how the progress of the Russian aluminium industry, which has developed into an important global actor, has been influenced by the interaction of global market forces and the evolution of the Russian political system. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian aluminium producers needed to adapt to changing framework conditions, both with regards to the global aluminium market and in Russia. Examining the most important changes in the organization of the global aluminium trade – the reorganization and consolidation of Russian aluminium industry and its ‘oligarchization’ – Godzimirski charts the evolution of the relationship between political and economic power in Russia, and the impact that this development has had on survival and adaptation strategies of key aluminium players in the country. About the Author Jakub M. Godzimirski is Research Professor at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) in Oslo, Norway. He has been working on Russian foreign and security policy issues at NUPI for more than 20 years, paying special attention to the role of energy resources in Russian grand strategy. His current research focuses on developments in Eastern Europe and post-Soviet space, including economy, security and foreign policy and migration and diaspora related questions.