Analysis - Institute of Modern Russia

Latest Articles

Hopes and Expectations

Details: Politics

Hopes and Expectations

Details: 06 June 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

Popular Russian proverb "Every cloud has a silver lining" has a profound meaning. It reminds us that the plainer the evil, the easier it is to mark it out as a target. This past year of Putin's presidency once again confirms the truth of the proverb. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek reviews Vladimir Putin's first steps since he got back to the Kremlin.

Science For Others

Details: Nation

Science For Others

Details: 04 June 2013; Olga Khvostunova

The system of Russian science is deteriorating, despite the government's claims that the country is modernizing. This April, Thomson Reuters published a report revealing that Russia is absent from leadership groups in the 100 top-ranked specialties in the sciences and social sciences. Another report, produced by the Russian Association for the Advancement of Science at the end of 2012, called the current state of affairs “catastrophic.” IMR analyst Olga Khvostunova examines the reasons for the crisis in Russian science and its implications for the country's future.

“The Man with the Stamp of Genius on His Forehead”

Details: Nation

“The Man with the Stamp of Genius on His Forehead”

Details: 03 June 2013; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia continues the series of publications by prominent scholar Alexander Yanov on the history of Russian nationalism. In this article, the author recounts the unheeded warning of the philosopher Vladimir Solovyov.

On Intolerance to “Others”: An Ideological Portrait of Modern Russia

Details: Nation

On Intolerance to “Others”: An Ideological Portrait of Modern Russia

Details: 03 June 2013; Boris Bruk

The principal idea that consolidates different parts of Russian society is xenophobia and intolerance to “others.” Such, at least, was the conclusion of a new study on Russia’s “ideological portrait.” IMR Advisor Boris Bruk, who has analyzed the study, is skeptical about predictions of a “fascist” future for Russia.

Missile Defense Problem: Is There a Chance to Overcome It?

Details: World

Missile Defense Problem: Is There a Chance to Overcome It?

Details: 03 June 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

In April, White House National Security Advisor Tom Donilon brought a message from U.S. President Barack Obama to Vladimir Putin, the purpose of which was to help pave the way for a new mode of cooperation between Russia and the United States. In late May, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev handed over Putin’s response to Obama. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya argues that progress in missile defense would mark a breakthrough in Russian-American relations.

Unposed Questions

Details: Nation

Unposed Questions

Details: 30 May 2013; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia continues the series of publications by prominent scholar Alexander Yanov on the history of Russian nationalism. In this article, the author discusses the ideological influence of Slavophiles on the Great Reform of 1861.

“The Putin Wave”: On Russia’s New Political Émigrés

Details: Politics

“The Putin Wave”: On Russia’s New Political Émigrés

Details: 30 May 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

As Russia’s authoritarian system grows more repressive, the result is not only more political prisoners, but also more political émigrés. As in Soviet times, it is some of the best and the brightest who are leaving the country. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza discusses the significance of the new wave of political emigration for the Putin regime—and for Russia.

In Search of Russia’s Middle Class

Details: Nation

In Search of Russia’s Middle Class

Details: 29 May 2013; Donald N. Jensen

The 2011-2012 pro-democracy rallies in Russia pointed to a growing political awareness and political muscle of the country’s middle class. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discusses the Russian middle class, its social nature and its political potential.

Moscow's 2014 Election: Will the Democrats Unite?

Details: Politics

Moscow's 2014 Election: Will the Democrats Unite?

Details: 23 May 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

Next year, Moscow will hold its legislative elections. Traditionally, elections in Russia’s capital city are considered a national event. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza contends that the democratic opposition stands a significant change of success—but only if it finally manages to unite.

Three Motives and One Reason

Details: Politics

Three Motives and One Reason

Details: 22 May 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

The Russian media have already said goodbye to Vladislav Surkov and talked about the end of his era once. This was in December 2011, as mass protest rallies heated up in the country. Recently, Surkov left the government again, but this time, he left for nowhere. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the fate and prospects of the once all-powerful éminence grise.

Our newsletter delivers a digest of analytical articles and op-eds published on our website, along with the latest updates on the IMR activities on a monthly basis.