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The article discusses the differing paces of economic reform in Russia and China. China's much greater rate of economic growth is seen as a result of that country introducing reforms earlier, in the late 1970s, versus Russia, which did not see the reforms of "perestroika" until the late 1980s, during the late Soviet period. Also discussed are cultural differences, with the Chinese seen as historically placing greater emphasis than Russians on education. Also discussed is religion and state in the two countries, and differences between Chinese and Soviet communism.

The article focuses on the social attitudes of Russian citizens. Particular attention is given to how a large segment of the population continues to be state-dependent, whether it be through pensions or because they are employed in the state sector. Another factor is that there are many citizens that are vulnerable in various ways and unable to provide for their needs all by themselves. The author argues that the state needs to provide the necessary means for people to become self-sufficient.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the economic condition of Russia, the issues inhibiting the growth of modern Russian culture, and mathematical modeling of historical processes.