This book is divided into six chapters, each addressing a significant aspect of the economic, political, and social transition in commonwealth of independent states (CIS) bloc over the last several decades. We integrate historical data with the most recent political and economic reporting in our analysis, including our assessments, opinions, and experience (where appropriate) as scholars, researchers, consultants, and global citizens.
Chapter 1 provides the reader with an introduction to the historical context for the CIS bloc, including the political structures and economic relationships forged in the post-World War II period. We pay close attention to the impact of nationalist histories and geography on the politics of integration, and include brief introductions to each country included in later chapters of this publication.
Chapter 2 provides an overview of the economic activity of the CIS region. We provide an overview of the geopolitical and economic challenges of the CIS bloc. We also discuss the economic challenges faced by these economies regionally, as well as in consequence of external forces brought by advanced economies, such as the global financial contagion resulted of the economic crisis that started in 2007, and the currency wars and their consequences to local and global economies.
Chapter 3 discusses the many challenges for foreign investors and multinational enterprises (MNEs) in entering the CIS economies, from skill mismatches and educational systems, to the impact of economic restructuring, legal framework, and trading policies. This chapter also provides an overview as to the main reasons why MNEs fail in the CIS markets.
Chapter 4 discusses the impact of the global economic crisis that started in 2007 on the CIS region, its challenges and implications as well as the perspectives for recovery.
Chapter 5 introduces multiple frameworks for the study of political risk in the CIS region, and provides an overview of this important field for the reader. The chapter proceeds with country-based case studies that include Freedom House scores and in-depth political analysis to assess the potential risk created by stable or reforming political institutions in each CIS state.
Chapter 6 provides future considerations and challenges faced by the CIS in its economic growth, taking into consideration the most recent reports as of spring of 2017.
An extensive, user-friendly appendix that provides additional country-specific case studies and analysis for the reader follows these chapters. Our hope is that this work will provide an introduction to the historical and political context of the culturally rich, vibrant, and rapidly changing region of the CIS. We have balanced this introduction with breadth and depth for the international business professional who desires to engage in the significant opportunities available to those willing to explore this very important region in transition.