The soviet union was very isolated from globilization. After the invasion of ucrane 20 14, there was a concerted effort to try and cut reliance on imports. Oil is about 25 % of russian exports in normal times. It's a big source of foreign currency, and thereforeof wealth. The amount of money coming in vy fossil fuels the russia is still very high.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Western businesses pulled out and governments imposed punishing sanctions. But Russia’s economy is proving surprisingly resilient. In the instalment of our French election series, we travel to Provence to better understand the campaign of the hard-right candidate Eric Zemmour, who has tapped into and stoked anti-Muslim sentiment. And why Lebanon’s plastic surgeons are thriving amid an economic mess.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer