A History of Success

The FT beyondbrics blog takes a shot at a new proposal put forward by Russia’s economic development ministry to rebrand the country as an “international financial centre” … with a bit of a nod to the past.

According to a copy of the proposal seen by Vedomosti newspaper, the economic development ministry believes Russia should create a multi-lingual internet portal to showcase Russia’s “history of success”. The resulting campaign should draw not just upon global examples, but Russia’s previous propaganda efforts during the Soviet era, the proposal states.

Russian government, business and scientific leaders should serve as the faces of Russia’s success, says the ministry, which has nominated itself to coordinate the programme. Russian news organisations – including newspapers Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Interfax, radio station Business FM and magazine Expert – would help with material about Russia’s attractive business climate.

Such suggestions seem better suited for a George Orwell novel.