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The Medvedev Factor

Details: Politics

The Medvedev Factor

Details: 22 December 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

Last week, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spoke at a televised interview to five Russian TV channels, during which he announced that his cabinet will step up efforts to lessen the government’s grip on the country’s economic policy. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, despite these early signs of liberalization, the weakening role of Russia’s Prime Minister may threaten Putin’s regime, as the Russian ruble continues its free fall.

Putin Talked, But Nothing Was Said

Details: Politics

Putin Talked, But Nothing Was Said

Details: 19 December 2014; Olga Khvostunova

On December 18, Vladimir Putin gave his annual end-of-year press conference, summarizing the events of the past twelve months. But during this three-hour talk, he said nothing new. According to Olga Khvostunova, editor-in-chief of imrussia.org, this lack of originality means that the Kremlin has neither a concrete plan nor a clear view for how the country will emerge from the current crisis.

The State Duma Wants to Protect Russia from Foreigners

Details: Law

The State Duma Wants to Protect Russia from Foreigners

Details: 17 December 2014; Ekaterina Mishina

On December 3, a draft law entitled “On Measures to Protect the National Economy and to Limit Activities of Legal Entities and Citizens of Aggressor States in the Russian Federation” was submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina believes that if this law is passed, the consequences for Russia could be disastrous.

The End of the Line for South Stream

Details: Economics

The End of the Line for South Stream

Details: 16 December 2014; Donald N. Jensen

On December 1, during his state visit to Turkey, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would cancel the construction of the ambitious South Stream pipeline. According to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, this decision does not mean an end to Moscow’s search for ways to transport natural gas to Europe while bypassing Ukraine.

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.

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.

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.

Health Care Reform as a Catalyst for Progress

Details: Nation

Health Care Reform as a Catalyst for Progress

Details: 21 November 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In early November, a number of health care professionals gathered in Moscow to protest the large-scale layoffs and closure of many health care centers that were triggered by the recent health care reform. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, this social unrest has the potential to spiral into a political crisis and become a domestic threat to the current regime.

Republican Congress to Push Harder Russia Line

Details: World

Republican Congress to Push Harder Russia Line

Details: 18 November 2014; Donald N. Jensen

On November 4 the Republican Party won control of the U.S. Senate, gaining the majority in both houses of Congress. According to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, Republican leaders are now likely to apply greater pressure to president Barack Obama to take a tougher stance on Russia and provide weapons to Ukraine.

Who is Troubled by Gay Propaganda?

Details: Law

Who is Troubled by Gay Propaganda?

Details: 10 November 2014; Ekaterina Mishina

In late September, the Russian Constitutional Court upheld a law banning gay propaganda, emphasizing that the ban is aimed at “protecting such constitutional values as family and childhood.” IMR advisor Ekaterina Mishina analyzes the background of this issue in Russia and the motives behind the Constitutional Court’s ruling.

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