Russia's return to dictatorship after 1991 was driven primarily by the contingency of leadership: had Boris Nemtsov (a charismatic, market-believing reformer Yeltsin had anointed as successor) become president instead of Putin—who never believed in democracy and grew increasingly anti-Western and anti-market—Russia could have been far richer, more prosperous, and integrated with the West.
causalpending
Speaker
Michael McFaulEvidence Quote
“Russia could have been so much richer, so much more prosperous and respected had my friend Boris Nemtsov been elected.”
Source
“They’re Not Like Us”: Michael McFaul on Autocrats vs. Democrats and the Fight for the 21st Century— Hoover InstitutionCreated: 6/18/2026, 1:57:41 PM
My Notes
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