This is an innovative study of the techniques of domination, based on financial markets, judicial systems, academia and international relations, across North America and post-Soviet Russia. Ultimately, Oleinik seeks to provide an alternative to mainstream economic analyses of power.

This book applies institutional theory to the analysis of the post-Soviet Russian economy to bring to light the reasons why reforms have gone awry. Emphasis is put on the elements missed in the early blueprints of reforms: constraints embodied in formal and especially informal institutions. Other aspects considered include the dominant model of power relationships and the networks of localized and personalized relationships among economic actors. The first part provides a general description of the core concepts of institutional theory, including both the 'old' institutionalism of T. Veblen...