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Discusses the debt of the Russian government and the political and social conditions of the country.

Discusses challenges facing the health care system in Russia as of January 2000, in light of economic, health and demographic trends in the country.

Discusses the tremendous political pressure that has been put on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by member governments to loan money to Russia. The assistance program that Russia could receive by March 1999; How this would replace the IMF bailout agreed to in July 1998; Estimated amount the crisis in Russia has cost business in the United States as of January 1999.

Reports that Stephen Cohen, an expert on Russia at New York University, is urging President Bill Clinton to support further loans from the International Monetary Fund to Russia. Opposition to further IMF loans from investment bankers on Wall Street; How the loans have been linked to economic reform; Why Cohen feels that United States economic policy concerning Russia has been flawed since 1991; Cohen's desire to see the loans be used for humanitarian assistance.

Discusses the September 1998 meeting of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations to discuss how to handle the financial crisis in Russia. Uncertainty about what the G-7 nations will be able to do; The possibility that the United States will lower interest rates to help Russia; Why Gordon Brown, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, called the G-7 to meet; Possible proposals that the G-7 may implement.

Examines the financial crisis in Russia as United States President Bill Clinton prepares to visit Moscow. Summit with President Boris Yeltsin; Devaluation of the ruble; Questions about the wisdom of Clinton's visit; Roots of Russia's economic problems; Role of Russia's central bank; Russia's recent economic policy; Concerns of foreign investors; Prospects for the next two years; Political significance of economic decisions.

Considers how Russia, despite its financial problems in other areas, is finding money to finance its military campaign in Chechnya.

Reports on the efforts of the Russian government to pay back the billions of dollars the country owes foreign countries such as the United States. Possible amount the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may loan Russia; Efforts of Russia's first deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, Yuri Maslyukov, to convince the United States to forgive 75 cents on the dollar.

Reports on changes in capitalism in Russia in 1998. The move from so-called robber baron capitalism to free market capitalism; The actions of Mikhail Khodorovsky, a former robber baron; The merger of his oil company Yukos with Sibneft, which was owned by Boris Berezovsky, another former baron; How financier George Soros views the changes in Russia; How the Russian economy and legislature is changing in favor of foreign investment.