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Will Russia “swallow” Belarus?

Details: Analysis

Will Russia “swallow” Belarus?

Details: 24 June 2021; András Tóth-Czifra

The recent meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko prompted familiar discussions on the possibility of Belarus being absorbed by Russia. While a full integration is too expensive for the Kremlin, Moscow exerts a lot of pressure on Belarus similarly to the way it does in Russian regions, and in the past years Minsk’s dependence on Russia has increased. Yet, there are pitfalls to this approach.

Why the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns hurt Russia’s vaccination efforts

Details: Analysis

Why the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns hurt Russia’s vaccination efforts

Details: 17 June 2021; Vera Michlin-Shapir

The third wave of the coronavirus pandemic is clearly underway in Russia, but the Russian authorities continue their strategy of avoiding addressing the issue directly. When they do, they usually resort to blunt denials or euphemisms, such as calling lockdown measures “nonworking days.” The Kremlin’s political manipulations regarding the pandemic is clearly a contributing factor to Russia’s low vaccination rates, despite the country’s highly publicized registration of the first-in-the-world coronavirus vaccine. This means that Russia is likely to suffer from the pandemic’s consequences well after other developed countries will return to normal life.

Why Ukraine will be one of the key topics at the Biden-Putin summit

Details: Analysis

Why Ukraine will be one of the key topics at the Biden-Putin summit

Details: 15 June 2021; Mykola Vorobiov

On June 16, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Geneva for the first time, and Ukraine could be one of the critical issues on the agenda. However, despite the White House’s aspirations for a more stable relationship with Russia, the Kremlin has already made clear that it will defend its “red lines.” Thus, the likelihood of a new “reset” in bilateral relations remains very low.

New books offer insights into power, narratives, and opposition in Putin’s Russia

Details: Analysis

New books offer insights into power, narratives, and opposition in Putin’s Russia

Details: 04 June 2021; Institute of Modern Russia

On May 21, the Program on New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia (PONARS Eurasia) hosted an event titled “Putin’s Strengths and Vulnerabilities: Three New Books.” The authors, Regina Smyth, Timothy Frye, and Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, shared new perspectives on Russian society, opposition, and Putin’s presidency in the last twenty years, taking academic concepts and putting them in context for a broader audience. IMR has summarized these three authors’ arguments, highlighting new perspectives on existing narratives and the reasons why these books are relevant to understanding Russia today.

How the Russian government uses anti-extremism laws to fight opponents

Details: Analysis

How the Russian government uses anti-extremism laws to fight opponents

Details: 04 June 2021; Igor Slabykh

The Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), and other organizations established by opposition politician Alexei Navalny, have recently fallen victim to attacks by the Russian government and will no doubt be recognized as extremist. The Putin regime has been using anti-extremism legislation against its opponents—ranging from religious organizations to journalists—for years. The latest attack, however, could affect thousands of Navalny’s supporters.

Limitations of electoral rights, extremism, and terrorism: what is wrong with this bill?

Details: Analysis

Limitations of electoral rights, extremism, and terrorism: what is wrong with this bill?

Details: 25 May 2021; Elena Lukyanova

In early May, a group of Russian deputies submitted to the State Duma a new package of repressive amendments, including a bill that would limit the right to be elected for individuals connected to extremist or terrorist organizations. This initiative has already caused a great stir among legal scholars. Elena Lukyanova, doctor of law and professor of the Free University, explains why the bill contradicts the Russian Constitution and other legislative acts.

How the Kremlin changes the terms of engagement with regional elites

Details: Analysis

How the Kremlin changes the terms of engagement with regional elites

Details: 12 May 2021; András Tóth-Czifra

As highly important September elections in Russia draw nearer, the Kremlin is trying to shore up its positions, using the usual tacks—from vague promises of additional spending to growing crackdowns on opposition. The late Putinism’s “offers” to Russian elites—especially those outside the highest echelons and tightest circles of power—are also changing. A closer look at recent developments reveals some awkward contradictions.

It’s Time to End the Bacchanalia of Lies

Details: Analysis

It’s Time to End the Bacchanalia of Lies

Details: 11 May 2021; Vladislav Inozemtsev

In late April, Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service published new COVID-related mortality data. The figure of 249,700 deaths unexpectedly compromised the previous official tally of 110,000 deaths reported by the Russian government to the WHO. Analysis of the new data shows that the country’s epidemiological situation is far from favorable despite official claims: the real number of new cases is clearly growing.

Is Moscow Playing a Double Game in Iran?

Details: Analysis

Is Moscow Playing a Double Game in Iran?

Details: 05 May 2021; Vera Michlin-Shapir

A recently leaked interview with Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has potentially offered damning evidence of Russia’s role in the region—as a disruptor conspiring with Iran’s most radical forces to undermine the nuclear deal. While Zarif’s comments should be taken with a grain of salt, his take on Russia should be given serious consideration.

How the West reacted to Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly

Details: Analysis

How the West reacted to Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly

Details: 04 May 2021; Institute of Modern Russia

On April 21, Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly. Instead of making a big announcement (like in his 2014 Crimea speech) as was predicted by many experts against the backdrop of Russian military buildup at Ukraine’s border, the Russian president mainly drew upon domestic and social affairs. IMR has rounded up how Western observers reacted to the speech and its lack of foreign policy bombshells.

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