#008 - Western Businesses and Post-Soviet Russia: Part 2 with Charles Hecker and Thane Gustafson

What does the Russian economy look like after years of war and sanctions, and could Western businesses ever return?

In this episode of The Long View, Charles Hecker and Thane Gustafson discuss how Russia’s business landscape has changed since Western companies exited the market. They examine the political dimensions of commercial engagement, the rise of new domestic players, and why re entering Russia would mean operating in a fundamentally different environment.

The conversation also looks closely at the energy sector, where the loss of Western technology and investment has created long term risks. The speakers assess the broader economic impact of sanctions, declining investment in civilian industries, and Russia’s growing reliance on China, while questioning how durable that partnership really is.

This episode offers a measured assessment of Russia’s economic trajectory and the structural challenges shaping its future.