Analysis - Institute of Modern Russia

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The Mystery of Veche’s Demise

Details: Nation

The Mystery of Veche’s Demise

Details: 03 November 2014; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia concludes its series of articles by well-known scholar Alexander Yanov on the history of Russian nationalism in the USSR. In this essay, the author discusses in depth the nationalist ideology of Alexander Sevastyanov, who has proposed a solution that he claims could have prevented the dramatic demise of one of the largest samizdat magazines.

Details: Politics

Double Loss

Details: 03 November 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On October 20, Christophe de Margerie, CEO of French energy giant Total, was killed in a plane crash at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, Russia lost not only a business partner and a supporter in the international arena in this tragic accident, but also a successful example of a business model unfettered by politics.

Details: World

A Cold Peace?

Details: 30 October 2014; Donald N. Jensen

Russia’s relationship with the West seems to have hit its lowest point since the Cold War, with rhetoric becoming tougher and more emotional on both sides. According to Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, in the standoff with Europe, Vladimir Putin is unlikely to blink first.

State Ideology May Return to Russia

Details: Law

State Ideology May Return to Russia

Details: 28 October 2014; Juliana Demesheva

Since September, deputies’ signatures have been being collected in the State Duma to remove from the Russian Constitution the ban on state ideology and the principle of priority of international law over domestic legislation. Higher School of Economics professor and constitutional law specialist Juliana Demesheva reviews the suggested legislation.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves: “As soon as Russia becomes a democratic country, its best relationship will be with Estonia”

Details: World

Toomas Hendrik Ilves: “As soon as Russia becomes a democratic country, its best relationship will be with Estonia”

Details: 23 October 2014; Elena Servettaz

The recent dispute between Russia and Estonia over potential Estonian espionage has heightened tensions in the two countries’ relationship. It has also fueled public fears that Russia will annex Narva, a predominantly Russian-speaking border city of Estonia. However, Estonian president Toomas Hendrik Ilves believes that Vladimir Putin will not be able to replicate “the Crimean scenario” in his country. He explained his reasons in an exclusive interview with IMR’s Elena Servettaz.

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.

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.

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.

Who Is Behind Yevtushenkov’s Arrest?

Details: Politics

Who Is Behind Yevtushenkov’s Arrest?

Details: 22 September 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On September 15, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, chairman of the Sistema conglomerate, was placed under house arrest on charges of money laundering in connection with Sistema’s acquisition of the Bashneft oil company. Analysts quickly drew a parallel between this arrest and the Yukos case. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the real reasons for the prosecution of Yevtushenkov.

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