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Oligarchs and social capital in Russian regions: a quantitative assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Lidwina Gundacker

    (Zeppelin University
    University College London)

  • Jarko Fidrmuc

    (Zeppelin University
    Institute of East and Southeast European Studies (IOS)
    Charles University in Prague
    Kaunas University of Technology)

Abstract

After the collapse of the Soviet Union a new class of entrepreneurs, the so called ‘oligarchs’, have emerged in Russia. Using individual survey data for Russia in combination with unique regional data on oligarchic dominance, we try to illuminate the relationship of oligarchs and levels of social capital in Russian regions. We further examine the interplay of oligarchs and public governance. The analysis reveals that social capital in terms of informal network strength and trust is significantly higher in regions with stronger oligarchic dominance. While the quality of all levels of public governance is perceived to be worse in oligarchic regions, this effect is especially pronounced for the local government.

Suggested Citation

  • Lidwina Gundacker & Jarko Fidrmuc, 2017. "Oligarchs and social capital in Russian regions: a quantitative assessment," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 44(3), pages 509-527, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:empiri:v:44:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10663-017-9377-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10663-017-9377-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Vladimir Otrachshenko & Milena Nikolova & Olga Popova, 2023. "Double-edged sword: persistent effects of Communist regime affiliations on well-being and preferences," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 1139-1185, July.
    2. Jarko Fidrmuc & Serhiy Moroz & Fabian Reck, 2021. "Regional risk-sharing in Ukraine," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 48(3), pages 645-660, August.
    3. Jarko Fidrmuc & Serhiy Moroz & Fabian Reck, 2021. "Regional risk-sharing in Ukraine," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 48(3), pages 645-660, August.
    4. repec:zbw:bofitp:2020_025 is not listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Russia; Oligarchs; Social capital; Trust; Network density; Institutions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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