The Russian Economy has evolved into a hybrid form, a partially monetized quasi-market system that has been called the virtual economy. In the virtual economy, barter and non-monetary transactions play a key role in transferring value from productive activities to the loss-making sectors of the...

Most people seem to think that Russia's economy and fiscal situation are still crucially tied up with international oil prices and the exchange rate of the rouble, although this view has recently been challenged by some analysts. Empirical research on this topic is, however, scanty. In this...

1. Editors' introduction : new perspectives on China, East Asia, and the global economy -- 2. The tribute trade system and modern Asia -- 3. Despotism and decentralization in Chinese governance : taxation, tribute, and emigration -- 4. Silver in regional economies and the world economy : East...