Unraveling the Soviet Economy

This chapter explores the intricacies of the Soviet economy through the procurement of a viscose machine, illustrating the significance of personal connections in a planned economy. It also examines the evolution of Soviet cybernetics and computer science, highlighting the tension between innovation and bureaucratic constraints. The unique environment of Akadem Gorodok is showcased as a hub for intellectual collaboration, representing the unexpected creativity that thrived within the repressive socio-political context.