Sergei Guriev

Sergei Guriev, Dean of the London Business School and an economic advisor to Russian opposition figures, discusses the real state of the Russian economy amid the Ukraine war. He debates the effectiveness of Western sanctions against Russia and distinguishes between Putin's propaganda and economic reality. The conversation delves into how military spending distorts GDP, the impact of inflation, and public perception in wartime. Guriev also highlights the challenges of enforcing sanctions on the oil industry and the complex dynamics between dictatorships and economic stability.

Harley Balzer, a professor emeritus of government and international affairs, and Sergei Guriev, the incoming Dean of the London Business School, delve into the profound failures of Putin's regime. They discuss unfulfilled promises of democracy and the dire consequences of economic stagnation, focusing on demographic decline and the treatment of migrant workers. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics of Russia's national identity and the grim challenges from sanctions and corruption. Yet, despite these shadows, they explore the glimmers of hope for potential change in Russia's future leadership.