Mediocrity Syndrome in Russia : Domestic and International Perspectives

Abstract

Numerous experts argue that Russia is a normal country with a mid-range level of socio-economic development. In other words, if one likens countries to students, Russia would be a C-grade student—neither among the best in the class (like Finland or Singapore) nor among the worst (Zimbabwe), but rather of average mediocrity similar to Argentina. Even though international evaluations of contemporary Russia are hardly unique over the last decade, they have met a quite shocking reception among educated residents of this country.