The Rise and Fall of Privatization in the Russian Oil Industry is a study of the actors and institutions that shaped the decision making on privatization in the oil industry between 1992 and 2006. It analyses the origins of privatization as a policy on a macro, industry-wide level, and presents three in-depth case studies (YUKOS, Slavneft' and Rosneft') of privatization on a company level. Using extensive research, including rare interviews with former oil company presidents, vice-presidents and former Ministers, the book argues that the conventional wisdom that post-Soviet tycoons have 'captured' the Russian state thereby determining the design and implementation of policies to privatise the oil industry, is an erroneous one. It highlights the role of an often-overlooked group of actors, the elite Soviet-era managers, and analyses the influence that key state officials wield over the process. Addressing issues crucial to Russia's political and economic development - who determines the ebb and flow of privatisation in the oil industry? Does the Russian state really act in the interest of the nation? - this book is vital reading for anyone interested in understanding the history, personalities and interests behind the ongoing transformation of the oil industry in Russia, the world's second largest producer of oil after Saudi Arabia.