All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Is the U.S. Softening its Approach toward Russia?

Details: World

Is the U.S. Softening its Approach toward Russia?

Details: 29 May 2015; Donald N. Jensen

The visit of two high-level U.S. officials to Russia in mid-May suggests that Washington has decided to play a more active role in settling the Ukraine crisis and that relations between the U.S. and Russia, strained since the fighting began, may be improving slightly. Donald Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, predicts that the deadlock will continue, but the Kremlin will retain the initiative in this matter, no matter how engaged U.S. diplomacy might be.

The Label of An Enemy

Details: Nation

The Label of An Enemy

Details: 28 May 2015; Denis Volkov

Less than three years ago Russia passed a law on so-called “foreign agents.” On May 23, 2015, Vladimir Putin signed another bill restricting the work of nongovernmental organizations, known as the law on “undesirable” organizations. Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov analyzes the consequences of these repressive measures and concludes that the process of deinstitutionalization of the civil sphere has already started in Russia.

Russia-China Friendship, the Economy in Crisis, and the Putin Paradox

Details: Media Must-Reads

Russia-China Friendship, the Economy in Crisis, and the Putin Paradox

16–22 May 2015

Details: 22 May 2015

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty • The New York Times • Forbes • The Guardian • Reuters • Brookings Institution • The Guardian

“Divine Totalitarianism”

Details: Law

“Divine Totalitarianism”

Details: 22 May 2015; Ekaterina Mishina

In recent years, religion and the state in Russia have tended to be closely intertwined, with the state using the church as an instrument of manipulation. This is evidenced by the recent conflict over the staging of Tannhӓuser at the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina analyzes the relationship between the government and the church in today’s Russia and draws parallels with totalitarian and fascist regimes of the recent past.

Will Putin’s Regime Survive the Current Crisis?

Details: Event Briefings

Will Putin’s Regime Survive the Current Crisis?

Details: 18 May 2015; Ezekiel Pfeifer

On May 14, the American Enterprise Institute held a conference entitled “Putin’s Russia: How It Rose, How It Is Maintained, and How It Might End.” Nine prominent Russia experts discussed the main challenges that Putin’s regime faces today and expects to confront in the next few years.

Putin’s Diplomatic Win, Nemtsov’s Ukraine Report, and Russia-China Exercises

Details: Media Must-Reads

Putin’s Diplomatic Win, Nemtsov’s Ukraine Report, and Russia-China Exercises

9–15 May 2015

Details: 15 May 2015

The New York Times • The Guardian • Foreign Policy

Comédie Française: Why Marine Le Pen Will Not Become President

Details: World

Comédie Française: Why Marine Le Pen Will Not Become President

Details: 13 May 2015; Elena Servettaz

Moscow, an adherent to the principle of “divide and rule,” has long been attempting to split Europe by garnering the support of far-right and extreme left-wing political groups. Recently, for instance, dubious ties between the Kremlin and the French National Front have become increasingly obvious. While the popularity of the National Front within France is growing despite family friction between the head of the party, Marine Le Pen, and her father, the founder of the party Jean-Marie Le Pen, it’s early yet for the Kremlin to cry victory. As journalist Elena Servettaz explains, Marine Le Pen will never make it to the helm of the French Republic.

Is Radical Nationalism in Russia Getting Out of Control?

Details: Politics

Is Radical Nationalism in Russia Getting Out of Control?

Details: 12 May 2015; Donald N. Jensen

Radical nationalism has long been one of the leading threats to Russia’s national security. However, in recent years, and especially during the Ukraine crisis, the Kremlin has tried to co-opt the nationalists to use them to mobilize the population. At the moment, according to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, there are increasing signs that the political situation may be gradually drifting out of the president’s control.

The Show Will Go On

Details: Opinions

The Show Will Go On

Details: 11 May 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

Surrounding May 9, Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany, the solemn voices of newsreaders, propagandists, and spokesmen of the Russian government sounded louder than ever. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, authorities at all levels are seeking to use the World War II military victory as the basis for a national idea, while Russian society, being ideologically inexperienced, attempts to imitate the authorities.

Behind the Masks in Ukraine, Russia’s Pivot to Asia, and Hackers as a Weapon

Details: Media Must-Reads

Behind the Masks in Ukraine, Russia’s Pivot to Asia, and Hackers as a Weapon

2–8 May 2015

Details: 08 May 2015

The New York Times • The Wall Street Journal • Foreign Policy • Foreign Policy • Foreign Policy • Foreign Policy • Newsweek

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