Economic Interdependence in Ukrainian-Russian Relations

Explores the emerging political economy of the former Soviet Union.

In the most detailed study to date of the emerging international political economy of the former Soviet Union, Economic Interdependence in Ukrainian-Russian Relations analyzes the intractable economic dilemmas facing Russia’s neighbors, and shows how economic interdependence has become the key axis for the pursuit of power politics in the region.

Ukraine’s quest for complete political autonomy from Russia is in tension with the deep economic interdependence between the two countries, and Ukraine’s leaders have found that pursuit of three key goals—sovereignty, prosperity, and security—often conflict with one another. While the years since independence have seen Ukraine consolidate its sovereignty, prosperity remains elusive and there remains no long-term strategy for maintaining Ukraine’s political economy.