All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Five Major Risks for Russia

Details: Economics

Five Major Risks for Russia

Details: 20 October 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In October 2014, the Russian economy set a number of negative records. The ruble’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar for the first time exceeded 40 and reached 52 against the euro, which forced the Central Bank to spend several billion dollars on intervention. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya analyzes the key risks currently facing Russia’s economy.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “Russia’s problem is not just Putin”

Details: News

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “Russia’s problem is not just Putin”

Details: 15 October 2014

On October 6, Mikhail Khodorkovsky met with a group of Russian policy experts at the Council for Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York. CFR’s senior fellow for Russian and Eurasian studies Stephen Sestanovich moderated the discussion.

Moldova Report Launched in London

Details: News

Moldova Report Launched in London

Details: 14 October 2014

On October 6, a report by Kommersant journalist Vladimir Soloviev titled “Moldova: The Failing Champion of European Integration” was presented in London. The report was prepared with the support of the Institute of Modern Russia and the Legatum Institute and was first launched this July in Washington, DC.

Sitting on Two Chairs

Details: Opinions

Sitting on Two Chairs

Details: 13 October 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

At the end of September, the Russian State Duma passed several amendments to the law “On Mass Media.” Starting in 2016, the share of foreign capital in any Russian media company cannot exceed 20 percent. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this limitation might have an effect opposite to that intended, putting Russia’s foreign interests abroad at risk.

The Worse, the Better

Details: Politics

The Worse, the Better

Details: 10 October 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The sky-high public approval ratings of Vladimir Putin and his policies raise serious concerns about the future of the nonsystemic opposition in Russia. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the more the Kremlin tightens the screws, the more opportunities there might appear for the opposition to increase strength.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “I Never Promised Anyone that I Would Not Be Involved in Politics”

Details: News

Mikhail Khodorkovsky: “I Never Promised Anyone that I Would Not Be Involved in Politics”

Details: 02 October 2014; Elena Servettaz

On September 20, Mikhail Khodorkovsky launched his Open Russia project, and later that day he participated in a talk at a three-day festival held by French newspaper Le Monde in Paris in honor of its seventieth anniversary. Paris-based journalist Elena Servettaz here provides a selection of Khodorkovsky’s key statements.

Are the Kremlin Hardliners Winning?

Details: World

Are the Kremlin Hardliners Winning?

Details: 01 October 2014; Donald N. Jensen

The Ukraine crisis has caused a shift in the balance of power within the Russian political elite. The so-called siloviki, or hardliners, are strongly in ascendance, but not completely triumphant. Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, reflects on Russia’s current political landscape.

Who Shall Judge?

Details: Law

Who Shall Judge?

Details: 30 September 2014; Ekaterina Mishina

In early September, Russia’s Supreme Arbitration Court was dissolved and the judicial matters previously under its authority were transferred to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. However, this reform uncovered various problems, the most pressing of which concerns personnel. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina offers insight into yet another stage of Russian judicial reform.

The Lessons of Scottish Separatism

Details: Opinions

The Lessons of Scottish Separatism

Details: 30 September 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

On September 18, Scotland held an independence referendum that was accompanied by heated debates both inside and outside the country. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, Scotland’s experience is relevant to Russia, since it shows that truly democratic countries can deal with issues of separatism without resorting to bloodshed.

IMR Launches a Guest Lecture Series

Details: News

IMR Launches a Guest Lecture Series

Details: 26 September 2014

At the end of September, the Institute of Modern Russia launched a series of guest lectures focusing on Russian politics and foreign relations. The first lecture was delivered at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

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