Blat, or the exchange of favors among friends, played a key role in the Soviet Union. The ability to use connections to gain access to hard-to-find goods or services was practically indispensible in the shortage economy. But blat has also been important in the post-Soviet environment, particularly in business. People with powerful connections have achieved success, while those outside of the business networks have been left behind. Thus, the ability to establish and maintain connections determines who succeeds in Russian business today. I argue that this dynamic significantly disadvantages foreign businesses in Russia because it favors insiders, is difficult for foreigners to understand, and most importantly, leads foreign companies into ethically questionable practices that are unacceptable in international business. Using the case of IKEA’s experiences in the Russian market, I hope to investigate whether this theory can inform our understanding of foreign businesses’ experiences in Russia.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1980.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 254-261). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs)--Naval Postgraduate School, 1984. / Theses advisor(s): J. Valenta. "June 1984." Cover title: The CPSU Politburo in the eighties: stasis and succession. Bibliography: l. 100. Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 254-261). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

In this thesis I have attempted to give some indication of the divergence of the theory underlying the Soviet Constitution from the principles of classical Marxism. The scope of this subject is such that each facet with which I have dealt merits further extensive study and analysis, although I would humbly submit that such further consideration would serve only to verify, substantially. the main conclusions which I have reached. The subject of the thesis is dynamic. The period with which I have dealt is too recent and too momentous to permit complete objectivity to be achieved, and I can only express the hope that my dislike of the arbitrary use of power has been tempered by my enthusiasm for economic, social and political experiment based on profound humanitarian motives. The bibliography omits my most important acknowledge, and I therefore take this opportunity of thanking Mr. D. Novak for his invaluable advice and assistance. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

In examining the military atmosphere of the Soviet Army the author will attempt to get the feeling of the life of the junior officers and enlisted men. The topics covered will include training, army regulations, military law, Party influence and control within the army, career potential, pay, retirement, daily routine, promotions, induction, terms of service, medical facilities, Post Exchanges, and professional schooling available to officers and men, only to list a few. No work will be done on tactics, techniques, or weapons of the Soviet Army.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität zu Köln, 1979. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 957-996).

Thesis (doctoral)--Stockholms universitet, 1984. / Summary in English. Includes bibliographical references (p. 416-438).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.