Analysis - Institute of Modern Russia

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On “Parasites” in the New Russian Economy

Details: Nation

On “Parasites” in the New Russian Economy

Details: 06 May 2013; Boris Bruk

The Russian authorities have acknowledged that they do not know what nearly half of the country’s working-age population does. IMR Advisor Boris Bruk has analyzed the Soviet-era experience of fighting “parasitism” and compared it to the present day.

Vladimir Putin's "Indirect Line"

Details: Politics

Vladimir Putin's "Indirect Line"

Details: 02 May 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

The nature of authoritarian regimes, especially those that depend on a "mobilized" social base, requires constant communications between a leader and his audiences. On April 25, Vladimir Putin answered questions from Russian citizens during a live televised call-in show. This political show is becoming a key attribute of the regime. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the peculiarities of Putin's dialogue with the people.

Moscow Recruits Interpol

Details: Politics

Moscow Recruits Interpol

Details: 02 May 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

The Russian authorities have requested an Interpol Red Notice against William Browder, head of the Hermitage Capital Management investment fund and a key architect of the Magnitsky Act. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek notes that Interpol has a history of honoring the Kremlin’s politically motivated requests.

Putin’s Lost Children

Details: Nation

Putin’s Lost Children

Details: 01 May 2013; Donald N. Jensen

It is often argued that Russia’s democratic future is assured by the progressive and pro-Western attitudes of its youth. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, contends that the reality is more complex.

The Fight Against Corruption: Sanctions or Morals?

Details: Nation

The Fight Against Corruption: Sanctions or Morals?

Details: 30 April 2013; Boris Bruk

The Russian authorities are continuing their widely publicized “campaign against corruption.” Having studied the proposed measures intended to stop bribe-taking among officials, IMR Advisor Boris Bruk has concluded that they are unlikely to achieve the desired results.

The Advantages of Terrorism

Details: Politics

The Advantages of Terrorism

Details: 29 April 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

After the terror attacks in Boston, the Kremlin has offered to increase counterterrorism cooperation with the White House. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek notes that Russia’s current regime will use any issue to gain political advantage.

Nature and Model

Details: Politics

Nature and Model

Details: 25 April 2013; Poel Karp

In March, the IMR website published an article by Alexander Podrabinek entitled “The Western Alternative,” in which the author argued in favor of the Western model of political development for Russia. Answering Podrabinek, poet and sociologist Poel Karp presents his take on this issue.

White House, Kremlin Attempt to Patch Up Differences

Details: World

White House, Kremlin Attempt to Patch Up Differences

Details: 25 April 2013; Donald N. Jensen

The recent trip by Tom Donilon, President Obama’s national security advisor, to Moscow has signaled the White House’s readiness to improve relations with Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, argues that the Russian leadership is likely to use this overture to push for more concessions from Washington.

The Propaganda of the Putin Era

Details: Politics

The Propaganda of the Putin Era

Part Three: Simulated Democracy

Details: 25 April 2013

The Institute of Modern Russia completes a series of articles on the Kremlin’s propaganda machine created to support the regime both internally and beyond its borders. In the first and second installments we spoke about systemic propaganda tools. The third installment will focus on more specialized instruments—structures that may look like democratic institutions, but under closer scrutiny turn out to be empty simulations.

Russian Taxpayer: Open Bar!

Details: Politics

Russian Taxpayer: Open Bar!

Details: 23 April 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

In late March, experts, lawyers, and the opposition were shocked by the insolence of a bill introduced to the State Duma. Document #243734-6 allows Russian citizens to demand compensation through the courts for “foreign courts’ unjust decisions” at the expense of Russian taxpayers. A part of the elite that is worried by the possible requisition of their foreign assets supports this questionable bill. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya ponders whether the Kremlin will accommodate these lobbyists.

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