All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Moldova: EU Integration at All Costs

Details: World

Moldova: EU Integration at All Costs

Details: 15 December 2014; Vladimir Soloviev

On November 30, parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova heralded the victory of pro-European parties. According to Kommersant special correspondent to Chisinau Vladimir Soloviev, this year’s electoral race was blatantly unscrupulous. Overshadowed by general corruption, poverty, and declining public support for European integration, the pro-Russian opposition is quietly gaining momentum.

IMR Continues Its Series of Guest Lectures

Details: News

IMR Continues Its Series of Guest Lectures

Details: 12 December 2014

In November, IMR researcher Boris Bruk visited the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and Virginia Tech, where he delivered three lectures focusing on Russian politics and foreign affairs.

Nonfatal Diagnosis

Details: Opinions

Nonfatal Diagnosis

Details: 12 December 2014; Olga Melnikova

In November, medical workers in Moscow organized mass demonstrations to protest against the downsizing that has occurred as part of recent health care reform. However, according to journalist Olga Melnikova, the Russian health care sector could actually benefit from job cuts.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “Our Goal Is to Demonstrate We Have an Alternative to the Regime”

Details: News

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “Our Goal Is to Demonstrate We Have an Alternative to the Regime”

Details: 11 December 2014

On December 7, Open Russia launched a series of monthly discussions to be held in various Russian regions. The first such discussion took place in St. Petersburg and focused on elections in Russia. During a teleconference, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and local activists discussed possible methods for the political opposition to counter the regime and shared their outlook on the upcoming 2015–2016 elections.

Details: Politics

Eyes Wide Shut

Details: 10 December 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On December 4, Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly. Many analysts looked forward to the speech with great anticipation; however, it raised the question of whether President Putin realizes the full extent of the economic and political crises facing Russia.

Horror of Revelation

Details: Opinions

Horror of Revelation

Details: 09 December 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

In his annual address to the Federal Assembly, Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s historical importance. However, according to writer Alexander Podrabinek, the Russian president’s most recent speech was full of empty pomp, historical contradictions, and common nonsense.

They Chose Freedom Presented at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Details: News

They Chose Freedom Presented at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Details: 08 December 2014

On December 1–2, the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) at the University of Wisconsin—Madison hosted IMR Senior Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza for the screening of They Chose Freedom, his documentary on Soviet dissidents. Kara-Murza also spoke with students and participants in the U.S. government’s Russian Flagship Program.

Putin Gets a Cold Reception at the G20

Details: World

Putin Gets a Cold Reception at the G20

Details: 08 December 2014; Donald N. Jensen

The war in Ukraine was not formally on the agenda at the recent G20 meeting in Australia, but in one-on-one meetings, Russian president Vladimir Putin faced sharp criticism from Western leaders over Russia’s military adventures in Ukraine. Nevertheless, according to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, despite this setback, Putin is still not ready to give up his challenge to the West.

The End of Illusions

Details: Opinions

The End of Illusions

Details: 05 December 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 signaled the end of the Cold War. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, over the last quarter-century, most Western democracies have been indulging in wishful thinking by considering Russia to be a modern nation governed by law. The time has come to face the stark reality.

IMR Participates in the 46th ASEEES Convention

Details: News

IMR Participates in the 46^th ASEEES Convention

Details: 03 December 2014

On November 20–23, IMR analysts and executive staff participated in the annual Convention of the Association of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) in San Antonio, Texas. The theme of this year’s convention was “25 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall: Historical Legacies and New Beginnings.” As part of the conference, IMR held a roundtable and a panel.

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