Vitali Naishul and the Snake Hill Gang: An Insider's Look at Russia Today
Episode Description
Vitali Naishul, president of the Institute for the Study of the Russian Economy and the Center for the Study of Russian Socio-Political Language, is best known as one of the creators of the market economy in Russia. During the Soviet era, Naishul worked in the inner circles of Gosplan, the Soviet Union's central planning agency. In addition, he was one of the founding members of the Snake Hill Gang, a group of economists who met to study and develop strategies to manage the future of the Soviet Union. Naishul, whose father was part of the five-person team that designed and launched Sputnik, recently sat down with Philip Nichols, Wharton professor of legal studies and business ethics, to talk about life in Russia today. đź“‚ Leadership
Brief Summary
Vitali discusses Russia's material wealth, societal dissatisfaction, and historical U.S. relations, alongside the Snake Hill group's reform efforts.
Key points
- The State of Russia Today. Despite material wealth, many Russians feel a lack of respect and rights.
- World War II Memories. A shocking statistic reveals the survival rate of Russian men during the war.
- US-Russia Relations. Historically, the two nations have been allies in major conflicts despite current tensions.
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Episode highlights
- The State of Russia TodayDespite material wealth, many Russians feel a lack of respect and rights.“We have a lot of meal but no drink.”2:04Nov 22, 2011
- World War II MemoriesA shocking statistic reveals the survival rate of Russian men during the war.“5% of male people survived.”6:17Nov 22, 2011
- US-Russia RelationsHistorically, the two nations have been allies in major conflicts despite current tensions.“In our actual conflicts we’ve been allies.”9:14Nov 22, 2011





