Violent Entrepreneurs: The Use of Force in the Making of Russian Capitalism

Volkov, Vadim

ISBN 10: 0801487781 / ISBN 13: 9780801487781

Published by Cornell University Press, 2002

This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Book contains pen markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,400grams, ISBN:9780801487781. Seller Inventory # 5781740

Synopsis:

Entering the shady world of what he calls "violent entrepreneurship," Vadim Volkov explores the economic uses of violence and coercion in Russia in the 1990s. Violence has played, he shows, a crucial role in creating the institutions of a new market economy. The core of his work is competition among so-called violence-managing agencies―criminal groups, private security services, private protection companies, and informal protective agencies associated with the state―which multiplied with the liberal reforms of the early 1990s. This competition provides an unusual window on the dynamics of state formation.

Violent Entrepreneurs is remarkable for its research. Volkov conducted numerous interviews with members of criminal groups, heads of protection companies, law enforcement employees, and businesspeople. He bases his findings on journalistic and anecdotal evidence as well as on his own personal observation.

Volkov investigates the making of violence-prone groups in sports clubs (particularly martial arts clubs), associations for veterans of the Soviet―Afghan war, ethnic gangs, and regionally based social groups, and he traces the changes in their activities across the decade. Some groups wore state uniforms and others did not, but all of their members spoke and acted essentially the same and were engaged in the same activities: intimidation, protection, information gathering, dispute management, contract enforcement, and taxation. Each group controlled the same resource―organized violence.

About the Author:

Vadim Volkov is Associate Professor of Sociology at The European University at St. Petersburg. His articles have appeared in Social Research, Politics and Society, and Europe-Asia Studies.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Violent Entrepreneurs: The Use of Force in ...
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication Date: 2002
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Poor