INTRODUCTION

You have before you an analysis of the economic and political processes which, in the opinion of the authors, are and will long remain of crucial significance. This study was carried out from positions of support of the general political line of creating genuine democracy and effective market economy in Russia and of strengthening its position in the world. We place an exceptionally high value on the radically new opportunities created by the Russian leadership in such spheres as freedom of the press, civil assembly, political pluralism and liberalization of many aspects of our life. It is these opportunities that have made the appearance of such works as this possible.

Being convinced of the irreversibility of current change, we still believe that assessing the present government and its policy at this stage only in terms of ideology and general objectives would be far from sufficient. It's time for assessment, analysis and streamlining of day-to-day politics, for setting clear objectives in the emerging civil society and the workings of Russian statehood, in the economy, and in social, defence and foreign relation matters. In other words, there is an acute need for a profoundly professional utilization of all the resources we have. From this viewpoint, statements that it is necessary "to do at least something" appear to be irresponsible and even dangerous. If the events of recent period have taught us anything, it is in the first place the realization that history is not the product of a blind and unavoidable fate but a consequence of thinking and actions of the people.

This analysis does not set out to give a systematic description of the so-called 'constructive proposals' - this we have already done over the last two years. The objective is to examine what is going on, and to stress the seriousness of the problems. It is to try to explain that the more pains are taken to conceal the less than pleasant realities, the more painful will be the consequences.

The authors would categorically object to any potential attempts by reactionary forces and their press to resort to random use of critical points contained in this study. This study aims at contributing to radical improvement of the current policy pursued by Russian leaders, but it does not attempt to pursue any other political objectives.