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Five Patterns of the Putin Regime

Details: Analysis

Five Patterns of the Putin Regime

Details: 05 April 2020; Olga Khvostunova

On March 26, IMR launched the “Russia under Putin” project, which includes a timeline of the country’s key political developments over the last 20 years. This factual digest serves not only to refresh one’s memory but also to retrace the Putin regime’s evolution and its modus operandi. IMR’s Olga Khvostunova highlights the key patterns of this regime and explains what they mean.

The Labors of Sisyphus: Why Russia’s National Projects Are Put On Hold

Details: Analysis

The Labors of Sisyphus: Why Russia’s National Projects Are Put On Hold

Details: 02 April 2020; András Tóth-Czifra

Russia’s new prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, was tasked with pushing forward the stalling national projects amidst the political transition initiated by Vladimir Putin earlier this year. Today, as the COVID-19 pandemic and Moscow’s oil price war with OPEC hits the Russian economy hard, the chances for the projects to be successfully carried out this year are getting slim. Moreover, a closer look at the government efforts shows that even before these crises, implementation of the national projects was already problematic.

Governors Redux

Details: Analysis

Governors Redux

How regional and local governments became a problem for Putin

Details: 28 February 2020; András Tóth-Czifra

One of the underreported stories in Russian politics is the growing tensions between the federal government in Moscow and the regions. Increasingly centralized revenues and political authority along with undue preferences given to Moscow have sparked regional crises, signaling the problem to Vladimir Putin directly. It appears that he will try to solve this problem by codifying bottom-up accountability, instead of strengthening local governance. That’s a mistake.

What Happens with Russia’s Constitutional Reform

Details: Analysis

What Happens with Russia’s Constitutional Reform

Details: 23 February 2020; Institute of Modern Russia

Preparations for constitutional reform in Russia are being rolled out at an unprecedented pace. On January 15, Vladimir Putin proposed to amend the country’s Basic Law, and already on January 23, the corresponding draft law was passed by the State Duma in the first reading. A national vote on the issue is expected to take place on April 22. For those who can’t keep up with these rapid developments, IMR has compiled a brief timeline with selected commentaries by leading Russian legal experts.

How Russia, Poland, and Ukraine Try to Revise WWII History

Details: Analysis

How Russia, Poland, and Ukraine Try to Revise WWII History

Details: 18 February 2020; Dmitry Shlapentokh

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II—the war that has largely shaped the modern world order. As countries prepare to celebrate another year of peace in Europe, it is clear that unresolved political rifts, old and new, are pushing some leaders to revise the history of the war for their own political gains.

Putin’s Maternal Capital Will Not Fix Russia’s Demographic Problem

Details: Analysis

Putin’s Maternal Capital Will Not Fix Russia’s Demographic Problem

Details: 12 February 2020; Anna Williams

Along with a series of sweeping constitutional reforms, Vladimir Putin also announced a host of changes to socio-economic programs during the State of the Nation address on January 15. In addition to indexing pensions and ensuring that the minimum wage remains above subsistence levels, the government prolonged and enlarged the maternity capital program.

Why U.S.-Iran Conflict Suits Russia

Details: Analysis

Why U.S.-Iran Conflict Suits Russia

Details: 29 January 2020; Dmitry Shlapentokh

The January 3 drone strike that killed Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad triggered a sharp escalation between Iran and the U.S., causing an array of serious repercussions across the region, including the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet. While a slim majority of Americans support the strike, many are concerned with the increased risk of another U.S. war in the Middle East. Should it come to war, it would play directly into the hands of the Russian government.

Transit or Disguise?

Details: Analysis

Transit or Disguise?

Details: 27 January 2020; Institute of Modern Russia

Experts discuss what Vladimir Putin’s latest address means personally for the president and for the future of the Russian political system.

New Russian Positivity

Details: Analysis

New Russian Positivity

Details: 10 January 2020; Olga Khvostunova

According to Levada Center polls, 2019 was perceived by the Russians as slightly better than the previous year. Confidence in the president and the government has increased, as well as the feeling that the country is going in the right direction. However, according to Levada head and sociologist Lev Gudkov, this registered positivity is rooted in the people’s low expectations and a powerful propaganda campaign aimed at “reconciling people with reality.”

Russia’s Game in Africa

Details: Analysis

Russia’s Game in Africa

Details: 12 November 2019; Ksenia Svetlova

As the United States continues its retreat from the Middle East and Africa, Russia’s increased influence in these regions is creating a new geopolitical reality. A case in point is the Russia-Africa summit held in Sochi a few weeks ago. While some experts point to the Kremlin’s lack of a long-term African strategy, it is a political vector worth watching.

IMR would like to announce a new vacancy position in the capacity of president of the organization. The potential candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience, profound knowledge of Russian politics, and understanding of the current US media and political landscape. Please refer to the full job description here.

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