The Sanctions-Immune, Teflon-Coated Russian Economy

Resilient, Fragile, and Unsustainable

Dear Subscribers,

“Barbershop Whispers….Russia” begins with “My Takeaways” on the main topic, followed by the main topic discussion. The last two sections of “Barbershop Whispers…Russia” will be follow-ups from previous publications and emerging events.

In last week’s BWR issue, I discussed the importance of the North Caucasus and the high price — financial and in terms of limitations on autonomy — Putin pays for the fragile peace in this part of the Russian Federation, at least for now.

This week, I will discuss the source of the Russian economy’s resilience and successful adaptation to economic sanctions: hydrocarbons and new markets.