All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Russia’s Government Doesn’t See the Economic Downslide As a Threat

Details: Economics

Russia’s Government Doesn’t See the Economic Downslide As a Threat

Details: 03 March 2016; Sergey Aleksashenko

In his latest comment on key developments impacting the Russian economy, Sergey Aleksashenko, nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank, reviews the government’s controversial efforts to battle the economic crisis.

Novaya Gazeta’s Investigation: How Boris Nemtsov Was Murdered

Details: Politics

Novaya Gazeta’s Investigation: How Boris Nemtsov Was Murdered

Details: 02 March 2016

At the end of February, Novaya Gazeta published its investigation of the murder of Boris Nemtsov, one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, who was shot dead in the center of Moscow a year ago. Since Russian authorities are refusing to even question certain Chechen leaders who might be behind this assassination, we think it’s important that the details of this case, as well as the names of the likely perpetrators, are known in the West.

Russian Business Is Unwilling to Invest in Development

Details: Economics

Russian Business Is Unwilling to Invest in Development

Details: 29 February 2016; Sergey Aleksashenko

Sergey Aleksashenko, nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank, comments on recent key developments impacting the Russian economy.

Nemtsov’s Murder Anniversary, the Effects of Propaganda, and Putin’s "Useful Idiots"

Details: Media Must-Reads

Nemtsov’s Murder Anniversary, the Effects of Propaganda, and Putin’s "Useful Idiots"

20–26 February

Details: 26 February 2016

In this week’s Western media highlights, Alina Polyakova explains in Foreign Policy why Vladimir Putin’s influence in Europe should neither be blamed on the EU nor taken lightly. And in the newest installment of her American Interest series of articles, Lilia Shevtsova notes that Western “pragmatists” often borrow their arguments directly from the Kremlin’s playbook. Meanwhile, in Russia, Novaya Gazeta published a must-read investigation into Boris Nemtsov’s murder. And Lev Gudkov, head of the Levada Center, analyzes the effects of the propaganda campaign in Russia.

13 Takeaways from Ilya Yashin’s Kadyrov Report

Details: Politics

13 Takeaways from Ilya Yashin’s Kadyrov Report

Details: 25 February 2016

On February 23, Ilya Yashin presented his long-anticipated report entitled “Threat to National Security” exposing the controversial rule of Ramzan Kadyrov. Below are some key facts about the Chechen president.

The Problem With Lavrov, Russia’s Moves in Syria, and “Four Patriotisms”

Details: Media Must-Reads

The Problem With Lavrov, Russia’s Moves in Syria, and “Four Patriotisms”

13–19 February

Details: 20 February 2016

In this week’s media highlights, we introduce a new twist by recapping not only Western media on Russia, but also three key analytical articles from the Russian media that help untangle the intricacies of the problems facing Russia today. In Foreign Policy, Mark Galeotti profiles Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, arguing that this bright diplomat deserves a better position than just articulating the Kremlin’s narrative. And in Forbes Russia, Alexander Rubtsov studies Russian patriotism—a concept that President Vladimir Putin has recently designated as Russia’s national idea.

Russia’s Post-Crimea Enthusiasm Wearing Off

Details: Economics

Russia’s Post-Crimea Enthusiasm Wearing Off

Details: 16 February 2016; Sergei Aleksashenko

Sergei Aleksashenko, nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank, looks at the preliminary statistical data published by the country’s Federal Service of State Statistics (Rosstat), and notes that though officials try to downplay inflation growth, pessimism among Russian citizens is increasing. A deterioration of living standards is causing the country’s post-Crimea “patriotic enthusiasm” to wear off.

Changing Tides, America’s Syria Shame, and Peaceful Coexistence

Details: Media Must-Reads

Changing Tides, America’s Syria Shame, and Peaceful Coexistence

6–12 February

Details: 12 February 2016

In this week’s media must-reads, Robbie Gramer highlights the risks of a NATO policy that overlooks the Black Sea region, where Russia is continuing its military buildup. In the New York Times, Roger Cohen argues that the Obama administration’s policy in Syria is becoming Putin’s policy in Syria. And, in the American Interest, Lilia Shevtsova continues her series on how the West has misjudged Russia.

Putin’s Dragon, War of Words, and Kissinger’s Vision

Details: Media Must-Reads

Putin’s Dragon, War of Words, and Kissinger’s Vision

30 January–5 February

Details: 05 February 2016

In this week’s media must-reads, Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov comes in the spotlight. He is profiled by Joshua Yaffa in the New Yorker and by Alexander Baunov in Foreign Affairs. And in the American Interest, Lilia Shevtsova continues her series on how the West and Russia see each other, this time focusing on the Putin doctrine.

No Putin, No Russia?

Details: Book Reviews

No Putin, No Russia?

Details: 03 February 2016; Ezekiel Pfeifer

IMR analyst Ezekiel Pfeifer discusses The New Tsar, a perceptive new biography of Vladimir Putin by New York Times reporter Steven Lee Myers that explores the rise of Russia’s modern-day autocrat, from his childhood as a street fighter in Leningrad to his unlikely ascension to the Kremlin throne. The book exhaustively details the milestones of Putin’s life and offers astute analysis of the forces that have shaped him.

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