All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Putin, Hardliners, and Political Violence

Details: World

Putin, Hardliners, and Political Violence

Details: 19 March 2015; Donald N. Jensen

Even though suspects in the murder of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov have been arrested, speculations on who is the mastermind behind the crime continue to swirl. According to Donald Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, there are clear signs of disintegration among Russia’s elites, as new, more radical armed groups seek their place in the system.

Looking into the Abyss

Details: Law

Looking into the Abyss

Details: 18 March 2015; Elena Lukyanova

On the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia—an event that was strongly condemned by the international community—Professor Elena Lukyanova of the National Research University of the Higher School of Economics analyzes and finds numerous problems in the decisions by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation concerning the legislation that applies when a country makes part of a foreign state part of its own territory.

How to Become Putin’s No. 1 Enemy

Details: Book Reviews

How to Become Putin’s No. 1 Enemy

Details: 17 March 2015; Daria Mattis

For years Bill Browder has been campaigning against the corrupt Russian authorities who prosecuted and eventually caused the death of an innocent man—Browder’s lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. In his new book Browder tells Magnitsky’s story in a narrative that reads like a thriller and reveals the brutal realities of the Putin regime.

Lustrations: Threat or Hope?

Details: Opinions

Lustrations: Threat or Hope?

Details: 10 March 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

Talk of lustrations has recently started up again in Russia. The discussion was provoked by the recent accusations against RPR-PARNAS activist Lev Dmitriyev of insulting a judge. Many people see lustrations as a hopeful pathway toward a democratic future for Russia. However, according to writer Alexander Podrabinek, for lustrations to succeed, the cleansing of totalitarian ideology should first take place in people’s minds.

‘U.S. Policy in Ukraine’: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Discusses Eastern Europe

Details: Event Briefings

‘U.S. Policy in Ukraine’: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Discusses Eastern Europe

Details: 10 March 2015

The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations met with current and former officials on March 10 to discuss U.S. policy in Ukraine and the challenges posed by Russian aggression in the country. Many senators expressed frustration with the Obama administration for delaying a decision on whether to send lethal weapons to the Ukrainian government.

When the State Defends Itself Against Its Citizens

Details: Law

When the State Defends Itself Against Its Citizens

Details: 09 March 2015; Ekaterina Mishina

The case of Svetlana Davydova, the mother of seven children who was accused of high treason for the benefit of Ukraine, was not only the first high-profile case of espionage since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict, but also the first case that falls under the new provisions of Article 275 of the Criminal Code. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina examines the main pitfalls of these new provisions and draws historical parallels.

Four Bullets in the Back of Russia’s Democracy

Details: Opinions

Four Bullets in the Back of Russia’s Democracy

Details: 06 March 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

On February 27, Russian democratic opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in the center of Moscow. Leonid Martynyuk, Nemtsov’s colleague and co-author, discusses the opposition leader’s political career and puts forward a theory about who could have ordered his killing.

‘Russian Aggression in Eastern Europe’: Senate Subcommittee Meets to Discuss Ukraine Conflict

Details: Event Briefings

‘Russian Aggression in Eastern Europe’: Senate Subcommittee Meets to Discuss Ukraine Conflict

Details: 04 March 2015

Following the murder of Boris Nemtsov and amid concern that Russia is planning an offensive in Ukraine in the coming weeks, the U.S. Senate’s Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation met on March 4 to discuss Russia’s intentions and the U.S. response.

‘Ukraine Under Siege’: Victoria Nuland Testifies Before Congress

Details: Event Briefings

‘Ukraine Under Siege’: Victoria Nuland Testifies Before Congress

Details: 04 March 2015

Victoria Nuland, U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 4 at a hearing titled “Ukraine Under Siege.” The hearing examined the Obama administration’s Ukraine policy in the face of Russia’s support for separatist rebels in the country’s east.

Boris Nemtsov: “Putin’s main problem is that he despises the Commandments”

Details: Opinions

Boris Nemtsov: “Putin’s main problem is that he despises the Commandments”

Details: 04 March 2015; Elena Servettaz

The murder of Boris Nemtsov came as a shock to people around the world, but especially for those who knew him personally. Over the last few days, hundreds of journalists, writers, and politicians have published articles, op-eds, and social media posts about their personal encounters and conversations with Nemtsov. Elena Servettaz shares her memories of the leader of the Russian opposition.

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