All Articles - Institute of Modern Russia

Obama’s Dilemma: Trying to Breathe New Life into the “Reset”

Details: World

Obama’s Dilemma: Trying to Breathe New Life into the “Reset”

Details: 19 February 2013; Donald N. Jensen

With the unraveling of its “reset” with Moscow, the Obama administration is seeking new ways to engage the Russian leadership, relying on the time-tested issue of arms control. According to Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, the Kremlin will demand a high price for bilateral reengagement.

Details: Politics

One More Try

Details: 14 February 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

Despite its unfortunate historical experience, Russia is not destined for despotism. According to author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek, the liberal opposition still has a chance of success—provided it maintains its political identity and appeals to the “man from the street.”

Yelena Bonner: A Voice that was Heard

Details: Nation

Yelena Bonner: A Voice that was Heard

Details: 14 February 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

February 15th marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Yelena Bonner, a legendary Russian human rights campaigner, co-founder of the Moscow Helsinki Group, and the wife and companion of Andrei Sakharov. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza, who knew Bonner, recalls her life and notes the moral importance of her stances for present-day Russia.

Russia’s Protests Researched by US Scholars

Details: Nation

Russia’s Protests Researched by US Scholars

Details: 13 February 2013

Recent protests in Russia have been studied by scholars from the time they began in December 2011. In the last two weeks, the Harriman Institute held two discussion panels, at which US experts shared their thoughts about the prospects for Russia’s opposition movement.

Russia: A Test on Fascism

Details: Politics

Russia: A Test on Fascism

Details: 12 February 2013; Alexander Yanov

The harsh prison sentence handed to Colonel Vladimir Kvachkov, a prominent Russian nationalist leader, was met with near-uninamous condemnation in Russia’s opposition (including liberal opposition) circles. In contrast, IMR Advisor Alexander Yanov, a well-known historan of Russian nationalism, believes that Kvachkov deserved his punishment.

IMR Congratulates Lyudmila Alekseyeva on Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

Details: Nation

IMR Congratulates Lyudmila Alekseyeva on Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

Details: 11 February 2013

Lyudmila Alekseyeva, a prominent Russian human rights activist, head of the Moscow Helsinski Group and a member of IMR's board of trustees, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her name was put forward by U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin.

Medvedev’s Government: A Vegetative Life

Details: Politics

Medvedev’s Government: A Vegetative Life

Details: 07 February 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

A large-scale campaign directed against Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev is underway in the Russian media. It is difficult to say who is behind it—Medvedev’s opponents include the security services, liberals, Putinists, and even his own former backers. Tatiana Stanovaya, head of the analytical department at the Center for Political Technologies and an IMR advisor, ponders the Russian premier’s political future.

Violated Rights: the 2013 World Report by Human Rights Watch

Details: Nation

Violated Rights: the 2013 World Report by Human Rights Watch

Details: 07 February 2013; Boris Bruk

Human Rights Watch has presented its 23rd annual World Report. The 665-page document assesses the situation in more than 90 countries. IMR Analyst Boris Bruk notes the increasing pessimism of human rights activists with the return of Vladimir Putin to the Russian presidency.

Back in the USSR

Details: Politics

Back in the USSR

Details: 06 February 2013; Ekaterina Mishina

Recent amendments to the Russian Criminal Code have significantly expanded the definition of “espionage” and “treason.” According to IMR Advisor Ekaterina Mishina, a prominent legal expert, the charge of “treason” can now be leveled against practically any Russian citizen.

Leonid Grigoriev: Why Oil Prices Will Not Drop Below $80 Per Barrel

Details: Economics

Leonid Grigoriev: Why Oil Prices Will Not Drop Below $80 Per Barrel

Details: 05 February 2013; Olga Khvostunova

Global energy analysts are revising their forecasts for the coming decade. Industrialization in developing countries, followed by a serious recession, a “shale gas revolution” in the U.S., the development of new production technologies, and the emergence of new market players have all led to a shift in the balance of forces. IMR’s Olga Khvostunova spoke to Professor Leonid Grigoriev, advisor to the director of the Russian Energy Agency, about the current situation and its implications for the Russian oil and gas market.

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