Fred Harrison’s presence in post-Soviet Russia has earned him legendary status. This speech, delivered to the Commonwealth of Independent States, was part of the assistance he gave to 10 newly sovereign nations that were formerly part of the USSR. An edited version was published in a special issue of Land&Liberty in January, 1995. The speech shows Harrison’s reputation for fearless analysis and prescient advice is very well deserved.

In the speech, Harrison achieves great clarity in his presentation of the available options, but it is equally clear he has little hope that a Single Tax, which he identifies as the only rational policy, will be adopted. Looking back, we may wonder if the available policy options were really so black and white.

There can be no doubt, however, he saw correctly that those tasked with the responsibility of regime change were not sufficiently concerned with the environment, nor the common good.

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