Analysis - Institute of Modern Russia

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The “Shelling of Parliament”: Myths and Reality of October 1993

Details: Politics

The “Shelling of Parliament”: Myths and Reality of October 1993

Details: 02 October 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

Twenty years ago, on October 3–4, 1993, the conflict between Russian President Boris Yeltsin and the leaders of the Supreme Soviet spilled into an armed confrontation on the streets of Moscow. Some call these events the “shelling of Parliament;” others maintain that they were about defeating an attempted communist and nationalist coup d’état. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza contrasts popular myths about the 1993 crisis with facts and with its actual chronology.

Russia and its Neighbors: the Limits of the Kremlin’s “Privileged Interests”

Details: Politics

Russia and its Neighbors: the Limits of the Kremlin’s “Privileged Interests”

Details: 02 October 2013; Donald N. Jensen

The return of former Soviet republics to the Kremlin’s sphere of geopolitical influence remains one of Vladimir Putin’s principal goals. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discusses the prospects of Moscow’s renewed integration drive.

The EU Eastern Partnership, or Friendship “à la Russe”

Details: Politics

The EU Eastern Partnership, or Friendship “à la Russe”

Details: 30 September 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

In November, the summit of the EU Eastern Partnership will be held in Vilnius, the objective of which is to develop cooperation between the EU and six ex-Soviet states. The Kremlin is carefully getting ready for this event, eagerly trying to influence Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the European integration of former Soviet republics is one of the biggest “nightmares” of the Russian elite, which still considers the post-Soviet space a zone of Russian influence.

Humanitarian Intervention: A View from the Inside

Details: Nation

Humanitarian Intervention: A View from the Inside

Details: 25 September 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

The crisis in Syria has one again raised the question of whether and when international humanitarian interventions are justified. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek notes that the “sovereignty” argument is most often used by regimes that wish to oppress and murder their own citizens.

Repetition of History: Empire vs. Nation State in Russia

Details: Nation

Repetition of History: Empire vs. Nation State in Russia

Details: 24 September 2013; Poel Karp

Nationalism has become an acute issue in modern Russia. Looking back at the country's history, author and sociologist Poel Karp discusses whether or not a "liberal nationalism" is possible in Russia. He concludes that Russia needs such a political force, as the country has no other way to neutralize the explosive imperial ambitions that blew up the USSR.

The Kremlin’s Financial Truncheon

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Financial Truncheon

Details: 23 September 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

Earlier this month, Vladimir Putin replaced the head of the Russian Accounts Chamber, the state’s primary body of financial control, after thirteen years of continuous chairmanship by Sergei Stepashin. His replacement is “Russian budget queen” Tatyana Golikova, the former health and social development minister. Many observers believe that the Accounts Chamber will gain considerable political influence under her guidance. According to political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya, such a scenario is hardly probable.

Kremlin’s Electoral “Reform” Could Backfire

Details: Politics

Kremlin’s Electoral “Reform” Could Backfire

Details: 19 September 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

Russia’s electoral system is once again being revamped: under new rules, the number of regional and municipal lawmakers who are elected from party lists will be reduced by half. The goal of the ruling party is to maintain control despite its rapidly falling popularity. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza contends that the reform may actually have the opposite effect.

Details: Nation

Russian Themes at the APSA Meeting

Details: 19 September 2013; Boris Bruk

The 109th Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association (APSA) has taken place in Chicago, IL. Scholars addressed a broad spectrum of issues, including a number of topics relating to Russia. IMR Advisor Boris Bruk participated in the meeting.

Conspiracy Against Russia?

Details: Nation

Conspiracy Against Russia?

Details: 17 September 2013; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia continues the series of articles about Russian nationalism written by the well-known historian Alexander Yanov. The new installment explains how “destructive imperial nationalism” brought Russia to the Crimean War. It resulted in the country’s ignominious surrender, severe national humiliation and total isolation.

Syria: A View from the Russian Opposition

Details: Politics

Syria: A View from the Russian Opposition

Details: 17 September 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

In the Syrian conflict, the Russian government has firmly sided with the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Russian author and human rights activist Alexander Podrabinek offers a different view.

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