Why were the IMF and U.S. Treasury stubbornly committed to shock therapy and rapid privatization in Russia? What was their political objective? What "imminent danger" worried them?
What "real danger" worried the gradualists?
Many of those in Russia with whom the United States allied itself were more interested in doing what, rather than creating the kind of market economy that has worked so well in the West?
Describe how the reactions of people both in the IMF and the U.S. Treasury to the problems with the reform strategy and the Yeltsin government were similar to those of officials inside the U.S. government to the failures of the Vietnam War.
According to Stigliz, what should have been done by the United States to support Russia's transition from communism to a market economy?
Explain how the aluminum case was "perhaps the most grievous instance of U.S. special interest interfering in trade - and the reform process" during Stigliz's term in government.
Explain how the "swords to plowshares" agreement between Russia and the United States provides an example of where special interests dominated over the national and global goal of a successful Russian transition from communism to a market economy?
According to Stiglitz, the U.S. unfair fair trade laws are not written on the basis of economic principles. Instead, they exist solely to protect whom?
Explain how the privatization of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) could be perceived as "National Security for Sale."
According to Stigliz, what are the "Lessons for Russia"? How do the policies that Russia was taught by the United States differ from what the Russian people saw in practice?