The Long Ball and Chain on Russian Economic Reform. (Geography Section).

McCray, T.R. Department of Political Science and Geography, Central Missouri State University. THE LONG BALL AND CHAIN ON RUSSIAN ECONOMIC REFORM. Russia's economy shows recent signs of life, on the strength of oil and natural gas exports to Europe. But day-to-day living for the average Russian remains a greater challenge than it was in the Soviet era. Russia's GDP, the value of its currency and its social safety net have degenerated over the past decade and entrenched corruption has disheartened foreign-direct investors. Today, fundamental physiographic and historic social realities continue to hobble Russia's deliverance into the world marketplace. Redressing these fundamentals is a task beyond calibrating by the International Monetary Fund or coaxing by the Paris Club of creditors. Russia is in for a long-term struggle to make its economy more responsive to the talents and needs of its people.