DISCOURSES ON ACCOUNTING TRANSITION IN RUSSIA, PAST AND PRESENT: Comparing the Russian ‘Time of Troubles’ and the Reforms of Peter the Great as an Historical Basis to Help Understand the Difficulties in the Contemporary Russian Accounting Transition

Abstract

This paper attempts to provide an improved understanding of the current state of Russian accounting reform by an historical comparison of contemporary Russia to certain periods of Russian history during the 16th and 17th century. The argument will be made that today, just as in the 17th century, comprehensive accounting reform will likely occur only after the Russian state has been strengthened following a time of troubles. The strengthening of the Russian state must continue under Putin until the Russian government can afford to use the considerable power necessary to proceed with accounting reform.