GAIDAR INSTITUTE HELD A PRESENTATION OF DMITRY TRAVIN’S BOOKS “HOW THE STATE IS GETTING WEALTHY…” AND “WHY HAS RUSSIA LAGGED BEHIND?”

Dmitry Travin is a renowned St. Petersburg-based economist and journalist, as well as the Head of the Center for Modernization Studies of the St. Petersburg European University. Dmitry Travin is an author of numerous popular science publications and books in which he subtly presents his point of view on modern domestic realities.          

In his book “How the State is Getting Wealthy: A Guide to Historic Sociology”, Dmitry Travin presents the major scientific theories which explain the grounds on which the modern society is based. In his book, Dmitry Travin answers the question why some countries are getting wealthy, while others, poorer; why in some cases development leads to a devastating revolution, while in others it does not; why autocracy gives way to democracy and many other issues which are interesting to a wide range of intellectuals. The book gives the reader in a simple and accessible way an idea of complex scientific theories on the development of societies. 

Dmitry Travin’s other book – “Why Has Russia Lagged Behind?” – is a continuation of his long-term studies on modernization processes in various societies and states facing similar problems at different stages. The book is written as a popular science study in historical sociology. Dmitry Travin brought together numerous facts from the past of different countries, including Russia, both bright and gloomy episodes from the establishment of the European society. Most importantly, Dmitry Travin showed which place Russia occupied in this process from the earliest times. 

These and many other issues were highlighted by the author at the presentation which gathered a large audience of writers, historians, economists, scholars and outstanding scientists. A lot of warm words were said about the author and his publications. After a substantive and detailed presentation, Dmitry Travin answered the audience’s questions and signed an autograph for all those who asked.