This book investigates whether Russia can or should increase its oil production beyond the record levels established in 2004 given its massive resource base and shifting political landscape. John D. Grace utilizes his expertise in petroleum industry analysis to synthesize geological data, historical development, and the structural shifts following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The work provides a framework for evaluating the operational performance of Russia's major private and state-owned oil companies as they navigate a volatile environment.

Experts recognize this work as a comprehensive technical and historical reference for understanding the post-Soviet energy sector. Readers frequently note the detailed integration of geological data with economic analysis, making it a foundational text for those studying global energy markets.