Book Review: Odyssey Moscow

 

Odyssey Moscow by Michael Calvey begins with his arrest and incarceration by the KGB, as one of the consequences of his business deals. Now, sitting in his prison-cell, he goes through his past, from his school days, his apprenticeships, his foray into journalism, and the connection with Russia. Many an event in the transition of USSR into a free-market based economy, of which the author is a witness, is narrated in these pages. So also, the prevailing sentiments of betrayal and lawlessness that pervades into almost all state-run establishments of Russia. And also, few more accounts of contemporary relevance, like an insider-peep into the making of Ukraine.
This book is a page-turner. Mike Calvey ventures deep into his own feelings, and also into the enigma that galvanized the Russian business into a thriving one. While recounting his experience and that of his cell-mates, what comes out are the chilling details of a justice system that is many a time, arbitrary and unfair. It also brings out in to the open, many notable aspects of Russian life, like the paranoia about their mobile phones, for fear of someone monitoring them. An excellent read, indeed.

Book Review: The Science of Right

 The Science of Right by Immanuel Kant is an interesting work. It starts with a definition - right is a voluntary action by one that can harmonize with the voluntary actions by every other one. Author then goes on to discuss its elements, like living rightly, doing harm to no one, and assigning to all what is theirs. Further divisions are also introduced, like natural right, acquired right, or that for a good name after death. The next part of the book deals with the rights of a state along with its duties.
I liked the presentation of the idea of constitution, where, the best one is that in which not men but laws exercise the power. It is an exhaustive discussion too, which addresses almost all the issues, a state might have to face. Like, how to deal with a gift, what to do in case of theft, or where is public right. And it introduces the executive, legislature, and judiciary as the different arms of a state to do all of these. While mentioning the need for changes, the book warns about making only a gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles, if there should be perpetual peace.