On Friday, October 22, former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov spoke about the potential for political change in Russia at Columbia University’s Harriman Institute. Some issues he mentioned included the need for political opposition, rule of law and greater foreign investment in Russia. Kasyanov also mentioned the need for Russia to have an active political opposition, something Russia currently lacks. Over 100 people came to listen to the potential 2012 presidential candidate as he described a Russia that leads through example and cooperation, not words and intimidation.
Foreign investors are finicky and there are a lot of options. Last week, Transparency International released their latest Corruption Perception Index and Russia dropped to 154th out of 178 countries, making it the most corruption country in the G20.
