Russia's Paradox

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Russia has incredible mineral wealth, vast supplies of oil and gas, and great fertile plains, yet in the last two weeks it has almost halved its long-term growth forecast. Justin Rowlatt challenges his guests to explain what's wrong with Russia. Why can't it live up to its potential? A recent report claimed that 35% of the country's riches are in the hands of 110 people, but is inequality the problem or a failure to ditch the habits of Communism? Or is it simply over-dependence on oil? And in the wake of the Russians sending the Olympic torch towards the final frontier for a historic spacewalk, Colm O'Regan reflects on old rivalries and his own need to come first.