Based on extensive factual material, the scientific publication provides a visual representation of the diversity of ideas and problems associated with the study of the post-communist transformation of the Soviet economy. An analysis of the specific historical conditions in which the formation of a new Russian economic model took place makes it possible to assess the opportunities and restrictions that influenced the choice of reform strategy and tactics; understand how typical or unique the processes of the Russian "era of change" were in comparison with the global trends of that time.