We have seen nations move from private ownership (markets, etc) to
collective ownership of one sort or another. Is there any precedence for
the reverse. Not counting the east bloc (who were private until WW2), what
hope can there be to put in place the set of institutions, rule of law,
respect for private property, contract between persons, etc., etc., that are
fundamental to the 'reforms' now sought for Russia.
Aren't many of these institutional forms or creations an expression of the
national culture and thus difficult to put in place from 'on high.'
arthur cordell
----------
From: Ed Weick
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Keith Hudson
Cc: Michael Gurstein
Subject: Re: Is Russia breaking up? (fwd)
Date: Tuesday, September 08, 1998 8:11PM
Keith Hudson:
>The curious thought that occurs to me is that, despite the appearance of
>near-total breakdown, both politically and economically, Russia may
>possibly short-circuit what would have been its normal development into an
>orthodox nation-state, and proceed into a post-nation-state somewhat faster
>than we're doing. As already mentioned, it has a highly-educated workforce
>and there are resources a-plenty for it to do so. It could pick itself up
>by its bootstraps pretty quicky once it has a proper financial system.
>
Etc.
A very interesting piece, Keith. A long shot, but you may be right. The
talent is all there, but the glue is missing. If that could be provided
......?
Ed Weick
