All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Garry Kasparov: “The only difference between the system now and a totalitarian one is the absence of mass repression.”

Details

Opinions

Discussion

Garry Kasparov: “The only difference between the system now and a totalitarian one is the absence of mass repression.”

Details: 13 July 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts about the situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation Garry Kasparov, about the logic and features of the development of Putin’s dictatorship, his foreign policy escapades, and the conditions that could cause the fall of his regime.

Russia’s Fake Reality, the Neglected Far East, and the New Moscow-Beijing Axis

Details: Media Must-Reads

Russia’s Fake Reality, the Neglected Far East, and the New Moscow-Beijing Axis

4–10 July 2015

Details: 10 July 2015

This week’s media highlights include a look at how the Kremlin has distracted Russians from the country’s dire economic problems and a critique of Moscow’s inattention toward the distant Far East.

‘Is the American Century Over?’ Joseph Nye Says No

Details: Book Reviews

‘Is the American Century Over?’ Joseph Nye Says No

Details: 09 July 2015; Daniel Frey

Commentators have speculated about the decline of the United States as the world’s leading power for many decades, only to see it retain its preeminence. In a new book, foreign policy expert Joseph Nye predicts that the U.S. will stay on top for now but must cooperate effectively with other world powers to address global challenges. Independent journalist Daniel Frey reviews Nye’s latest work.

Putin’s Rating: How Much Would You Like?

Details: Opinions

Putin’s Rating: How Much Would You Like?

Details: 08 July 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

According to the latest poll by the Levada Center, Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has reached 89%—a record figure for his 15-year hold on power. Alexander Podrabinek argues that since it is practically impossible to verify the trustworthiness of the figures involved, the results of the poll should be viewed skeptically.

Primakov vs. Putin, Ukraine’s History Laws, and the Threat to the Baltics

Details: Media Must-Reads

Primakov vs. Putin, Ukraine’s History Laws, and the Threat to the Baltics

27 June – 3 July 2015

Details: 03 July 2015

Bloomberg View • The Telegraph • Open Russia • Project Syndicate • Foreign Affairs • The Moscow Times

Cheese Will Not Save the Russian Economy

Details: Economics

Cheese Will Not Save the Russian Economy

Details: 29 June 2015; Ezekiel Pfeifer

With Russia suddenly unable to access imports that it had grown dependent on, government officials have promoted import substitution as a way to make structural changes to the economy and help the country recover in the short term. Unfortunately, according to IMR analyst Ezekiel Pfeifer, the opportunities presented by domestic production of things like dairy products, chemicals, and naval vessels are limited.

Beyond Propaganda, the Man Who Predicted Putin, and a Russian Coup

Details: Media Must-Reads

Beyond Propaganda, the Man Who Predicted Putin, and a Russian Coup

20–26 June 2015

Details: 26 June 2015

Politico • Foreign Policy • Daily Beast • Foreign Affairs

The Myth of Putin’s 89%

Details: Politics

The Myth of Putin’s 89%

Details: 25 June 2015; Donald N. Jensen

A recent public opinion poll said that President Vladimir Putin had attained a record-high approval rating of 89 percent, despite Russia’s massive economic slump and tense relations with the West. But according to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, this rating masks a more complex reality when it comes to Russians’ political attitudes and Putin may be more vulnerable than it seems.

Selling Your Soul to Mr. Putin

Details: World

Selling Your Soul to Mr. Putin

Details: 24 June 2015; Elena Servettaz

The Kremlin’s propaganda machine has been disrupting public discourse in the European Union not only through media outlets like RT and Sputnik, but also by luring European journalists, analysts, and even popular actors to support Russia’s stance. Elena Servettaz identifies several Putin apologists in the French media.

December Complex

Details: Politics

December Complex

Details: 22 June 2015; Tatiana Stanovaya

On June 16, at the Kremlin’s initiative, the Constitutional Legislation and State Development Committee of the State Duma recommended the adoption of a bill rescheduling the 2016 parliamentary elections from December to September. Communist opposition to this draft seems hardly likely to prevent this change from being implemented. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the underlying reasons of yet another Kremlin initiative.

Our newsletter delivers a digest of analytical articles and op-eds published on our website, along with the latest updates on the IMR activities on a monthly basis.