Russia Economic System and Scarcity

Country’s Economic System and Scarcity: Russia
In previous eras, the name of Russia was synonymous with a very particular type of economic system, namely that of communism. After the end of communism, Russia adopted what was a thriving capitalist economy, buoyed in part by oil wealth. Still, Russia has attempted to pursue an independent financial policy, particularly given the considerable tensions which still exist between the nation and much of the industrialized world. It has not sought ties with many other nations, in contrast to the European Nation members. Currency woes, as the Russian ruble’s value has plummeted and inflation has increased, has led to shortages throughout the nation, including food shortages (Schearf, 2016). It might be assumed that this would generate pressure upon the government to take more aggressive action in support of its people or a more amicable attitude to the United States. But as Russia still effectively functions as an autocracy under Putin’s rule, dealing with scarcity has largely been left to the populace’s ingenuity.
A number of Russians have even taken upon city gardening in plots, as a way of ensuring a steady food supply when the shops are bare or when food prices become too high. Unfortunately, given Russia’s cold climate, this is not always reliable. Pickling and preserving is an important part of Russia’s cuisine, and has also become more popular in the wake of fears about lack of food. Ironically, in a nation which once pledged to end poverty, private charities and food-sharing has become a lifeline for many families for basic necessities, including the bread which is the staple of so many Russian tables. “Russian volunteers run a food-sharing program to collect restaurant extras and distribute them to those in need” and one recipient of donations said, “Now we hope that we'll get not only bread, but some other food, as well” (Scheaf, 2016, par. 6-7).


References
Schearf, C. (2016). Russians grow, share food, as the economy struggles. VOA news.
Retrieved from: https://www.voanews.com/a/russians-grow-share-food-economy- struggles/3495252.html