Models and Strategies of Conflict Interaction Between Business and Authorities in Transition Societies: The Case of Russia

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ties between business and power in Russia and to analyse the features of what can be considered a conflictual relationship. Using the approaches of D. North, J. Wallis, B. Weingast, and J. Nye as a starting point, this article provides an overview of new business development in Russia and suggests that power is an important factor in the relationship between businesses and authorities in a transitional society. Drawing on both a theoretical and empirical analysis, it will be shown that ties between businesses and authorities have come to generate social distrust and negative attitudes towards both institutions in today’s Russia.