Institute of Modern Russia

Leon Aron: “Don’t Expect a New Détente Between Russia and the West”

26 July 2016

Olga Khvostunova

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with experts on the political situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of the country’s political system. Olga Khvostunova, editor-in-chief of imrussia.org, spoke with Dr. Leon Aron, director of Russian studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), about the Putin regime’s domestic imperatives, reasons behind the cooling of relations between Russia and the West, and the “pie in the sky” dream of American presidents.

Gleb Sitkovsky: ‘The Government Believes That If It Gives Money to Theaters, It Has the Right to Make Demands’

18 August 2015

Polina Surnina

In recent years, the Russian government has begun to interfere more significantly in the work of cultural institutions. As part of the Institute of Modern Russia’s ongoing interview series, journalist Polina Surnina spoke with theater critic Gleb Sitkovsky about manifestations of patriotism in theater, anonymous zealots of morality, and attempts by the Culture Ministry to exercise control over the creative process.

Georgy Satarov: ‘The Opposition Needs to Put the Authorities in Zugzwang’

12 August 2015

Olga Khvostunova

As part of the Institute of Modern Russia’s ongoing interview series with Russian and Western experts, imrussia.org editor-in-chief Olga Khvostunova sat down with INDEM Foundation president Georgy Satarov to talk about social discontent, the consequences of the law on ’’undesirable organizations,’’ the principle of simplification in Putin’s politics, and the chances for a real opposition to emerge in Russia.

Vitaly Portnikov: ‘Ukraine Will Have Friendly and Honest Relations with a Russia That Seeks European Integration’

23 July 2015

Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with experts on the situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of the country’s political system. On the eve of the anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Donetsk, journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with Ukrainian writer Vitaly Portnikov about the various theories that exist regarding the cause of the tragedy, the possibility of an international tribunal to investigate the incident, Putin’s plans with regard to Ukraine, and future relations between the two countries.

Garry Kasparov: “The only difference between the system now and a totalitarian one is the absence of mass repression.”

13 July 2015

Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts about the situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation Garry Kasparov, about the logic and features of the development of Putin’s dictatorship, his foreign policy escapades, and the conditions that could cause the fall of his regime.

Sergei Aleksashenko: “Like homeopathy, sanctions work slowly”

04 May 2015

Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts on the situation in Russia, its relationship with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with former chairman of Russia’s Central Bank, economist Sergei Aleksashenko, about the social and political situation in the country, the Kremlin’s propaganda, Putin’s tactics in Donbass, and the efficiency of Western sanctions.

Dmitry Oreshkin: “In the light of Nemtsov’s murder, Putin looks like a weak and dependent politician”

06 April 2015

Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts on the situation in Russia, its relationship with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk speaks with prominent Russian political scientist Dmitry Oreshkin about the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, Putin’s policy toward Ukraine, and its consequences.

Andrei Piontkovsky: “Putin’s Concept of the ‘Russian World’ Threatens All Territories with a Russian Population”

24 March 2015

Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia introduces a series of interviews with Russian and Western experts on the situation in Russia, its relationship with the West, and the future of its political system. In the first article of the series, Leonid Martynyuk interviews prominent Russian political analyst Andrei Piontkovsky.