This book argues that Russia has struggled under autocratic power and that this continues to affect economic development today. A 'cult of power' has underpinned legal nihilism, distrust, secrecy and aversion to transparency and accountability. Informal institutions are more important than formal institutions, and influence macroeconomic development. Property and power are merged while property rights are weakly developed. Russia does not only face market failure, but also hierarchy and network failure. A system of values and social practices, with deep historic roots, constitutes perhaps the most formidable obstacle to social and economic development. By exploring the operating mechanisms of the Russian economy in a comparative perspective, and with fascinating insights into how a socio-economic infrastructure has been created which continues to exert an influence on modern-day Russia and limits its development, this book is an essential read for all interested in the Russian economy and modern Russian history.