Institute of Modern Russia

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Opinions

“It is [the] bigotry of lower expectations [to say] that Russians will always favor a strong man over democracy.” — Mark Lagon

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03 March 2015

Olga Khvostunova

Unsurprisingly, Freedom House’s recent 2015 Freedom in the World report has shown a decline in civil liberties in Russia. Mark Lagon, the new president of Freedom House, spoke with IMR’s editor-in-chief Olga Khvostunova about Russia’s current political trajectory, Putin’s stakes in the Ukraine conflict, and what the West can do to empower Russian civil society organizations.

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News

Khodorkovsky: “Putin is not the future of Russia. The future of Russia is us.”

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01 March 2015

On February 26, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the founder of Open Russia, presented a lecture called “Russia Under Putin and Beyond” at Chatham House in London. In his address, he dispelled the major myths instilled by Putin’s regime and shared his image of an alternative path for Russia.

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Research Recaps

Crimeans’ Attitudes, Human Rights Abuses, and Economy in Crisis

March-April 2015

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01 March 2015

GfK Ukraine • Atlantic Council/Freedom House • МИД Великобритании • Исследовательская служба Европарламента • World Bank

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Event Briefings

Russia in the Balkans, War in Ukraine, and Russia’s Conflict With the West

March—April 2015

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28 February 2015

London School of Economics • Woodrow Wilson Center • Harriman Institute

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World

Putin’s Trojan Horse in Europe

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27 February 2015

Donald N. Jensen

Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Hungary and his new energy deal with Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban caused yet another debate in Europe over Russia’s attempts to undermine the Western alliance. Donald Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, reviews these controversial developments.

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Nation

Does Russia’s Protest Movement Have a Future?

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24 February 2015

Denis Volkov

On March 1, an “anti-crisis march” organized by Russian opposition leaders is set to be held in Moscow. Its goal is to protest against the war in Ukraine and to show people’s frustration with the economic crisis. Organizers estimate that as many as 100,000 people will participate in the march. Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov examines the character and potential of Russia’s protest movement.

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News

“Spring” Anti-Crisis March to Take Place in Maryino

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23 February 2015

On February 20, organizers of the planned anti-crisis rally “Spring” held a news conference in which they announced that they’d reached an agreement with Moscow authorities to move the rally from the city center to the outskirts of Moscow. The demonstration is scheduled for March 1 and is expected to include nearly 100,000 people.

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Opinions

Putin’s Hostage

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19 February 2015

Alexander Podrabinek

On February 10, the Basmannyi Court of Moscow extended custody for the Ukrainian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko, who continues her hunger strike in protest of the absurd accusations against her. Writer Alexander Podrabinek argues that the Russian authorities have essentially sentenced her to death.

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Nation

Denial of Reality

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18 February 2015

Olga Melnikova

Since last summer, the price of many goods in Russia has risen considerably, in some cases several-fold. However, according to opinion polls, many Russians refuse to accept the fact that the country has entered a crisis. Olga Melnikova analyzes this public reaction.

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Opinions

Russian “Death Squads”

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17 February 2015

Alexander Podrabinek

In January a new pro-Kremlin movement called “Antimaidan” formed in Russia with the goal “to prevent ‘color revolutions’ in the country.” In the opinion of writer Alexander Podrabinek, the Russian government is essentially creating "death squads“—militarized civil forces to fight the opposition.