Analysis - Institute of Modern Russia

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Ukrainian Refugees: Between Propaganda and Reality

Details: Nation

Ukrainian Refugees: Between Propaganda and Reality

Details: 15 July 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees fled to Russia as a result of military operations in the southern and eastern Ukraine. As the Kremlin manipulates the refugees factor in its propaganda campaign against Ukraine, the real scale of the problem remains unclear. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the current situation.

New Russian Laws: Can a “Like” Really Send You to Prison?

Details: Politics

New Russian Laws: Can a “Like” Really Send You to Prison?

Details: 14 July 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

On June 30, president Vladimir Putin signed a law introducing several legislative amendments directed at toughening Russia’s laws on fighting extremism. These include imprisonment for funding extremist activities and calling for extremism via the Internet. Analyst Alexander Podrabinek argues that this law is hardly new, and that its goal is to instill nervousness in the public.

Russia Approves New U.S. Envoy

Details: World

Russia Approves New U.S. Envoy

Details: 11 July 2014; Donald N. Jensen

On July 9, the Kremlin formally approved the appointment of John Tefft as the next U.S. ambassador to Russia. In an atmosphere of crisis between Russia and the West not seen since the end of the Cold War, Tefft faces a hard task. However, as Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, argues, no ambitious new campaign to improve the U.S.-Russia relationship is on the horizon. On the contrary, the United States is likely to seek to minimize cooperation with Russia.

The Young Guard, or “Russification of the Spirit” Part 2

Details: Nation

The Young Guard, or “Russification of the Spirit” Part 2

Details: 09 July 2014; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of articles by well-known scholar Alexander Yanov on the history of Russian nationalism in the USSR. In this second part of his essay on right-wing dissidents, Yanov examines an article titled “Inevitability” by “Young Guardsman” Victor Chalmaev that sparked heated debates in every ideological circle of the time.

Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office Takes On Corruption

Details: Law

Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office Takes On Corruption

Details: 07 July 2014; Ekaterina Mishina

In early June, the Prosecutor General’s Office published a draft law “On Amendments to the Legislation of the Russian Federation to Strengthen Responsibility for Corruption.” IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina analyzes the proposed changes.

Details: World

Putin Forever?

Details: 03 July 2014; Donald N. Jensen

As public support of Vladimir Putin’s policies skyrockets, political analysts observe increasing discontent among Russian elites. Rumors of elite efforts to oust Putin are being discussed behind the political scene. However, as Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Studies, argues, despite systemic tensions, Putin has a number of advantages that will likely see him through these difficulties.

The Third Gas War

Details: Economics

The Third Gas War

Details: 01 July 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya and Olga Khvostunova

The Russian-Ukrainian gas conflict that started in April has recently entered a critical phase. On June 16, Russian gas monopoly Gazprom halted transportation of gas to Ukraine, demanding that Ukraine pay its debt of almost $2 billion. And last Friday, Gazprom’s CEO Alexei Miller threatened to take measures against European companies that participate in reverse gas supplies to Ukraine. IMR analysts Tatiana Stanovaya and Olga Khvostunova analyze the specifics of the latest gas war.

Russian Duma Works Miracles

Details: Politics

Russian Duma Works Miracles

Details: 01 July 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The Russian State Duma continues to put forth a parade of absurd (and widely discussed) legislative initiatives. On June 18, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia proposed the introduction of fines for the “unjustified use of foreign words.” The following day, Oleg Mikheev, a lawmaker from A Just Russia Party, came up with the idea of banning the importation of Keds, ballet flats, and high-heeled shoes into Russia because, according to him, they harm the health of Russian citizens. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek discusses the Duma’s latest initiatives.

Will the South Stream Be Frozen?

Details: Economics

Will the South Stream Be Frozen?

Details: 28 June 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya and Olga Khvostunova

The crisis in Ukraine has exacerbated many problematic aspects of the relationship between Russia and the European Union. In June, the South Stream, one of Gazprom’s most ambitious geopolitical projects, took center stage in this standoff. IMR analysts Tatiana Stanovaya and Olga Khvostunova comment on the latest conflict.

Russian Governors Rush To Early Elections

Details: Politics

Russian Governors Rush To Early Elections

Details: 25 June 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

Since the beginning of 2014, the number of early gubernatorial elections in Russian regions has been growing. All in all, 30 governors are to be elected on Russia’s nationwide Election Day, with only 11 of them on schedule and the rest in pre-term elections. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the reasons behind such gubernatorial haste.

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