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The "Loyal" Russian Bureaucrat and the Temptations of Courchevel

Details: 26 September 2012; Tatiana Stanovaya

Earlier this August, a draft law banning government officials from owning real estate outside Russia or having offshore bank accounts was submitted to the State Duma. It seems that the bill has not been taken seriously by the officials, nor by the press, since, in Russia, similar restrictions have been traditionally evaded, and many government officials and deputies – with no fear of disclosure –are successfully combining business with public service. On the other hand, the media has reported, based on unofficial leaks, that Vladimir Putin issued a secret order requiring government officials to return their assets from abroad within a year. Those who disobey will be punished. Until now, foreign assets served as restraint on the road toward full-blown authoritarianism. Tatyana Stanovaya, IMR expert and the head of the Analytics Department of the Center for Political Technologies, discusses what could happen if this prohibition stands and whether the “end of Courchevel” (i.e. end of foreign property ownership) is will also be the end of Democratic Russia.

Details: World

“Russian” Votes in U.S. Elections

Details: 21 September 2012; Vladimir Kara-Murza

Unlike many other U.S. diasporas, Russian Americans have never had a serious political voice. No Russian-speaking member has ever been elected to Congress, and presidential campaigns have never paid much attention to “Russian” voters – despite the fact that, even according to the official estimates, there are more than 3 million U.S. citizens of Russian origin. IMR Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza discusses the possibility of “Russian America” developing its own political identity.

Details: Economics

The Case of RAO UES: the World's Largest Monopoly Break Up in History

Details: 24 September 2012; Igor Booth

During the recent Asian Pacific Ocean Economic (APEC) summit, Russia marketed natural gas pipelines to Asia and the railway route from Asia to Europe. However, one may reasonably doubt the ability of Russian monopolies to execute such ambitious projects. Recent news about Russian Railways reveals a deep crisis within the company, while Gazprom’s high current profits mask the collapse of its long-term strategy. According to IMR economic advisor, Igor Booth, these two Russian giants, in order to reach their full potential, need to adopt best change management practices and, in particular, study the Russian electric power sector’s experience of reform.

Details: Events

“Winter, Go Away!” A multimedia program on the protest movement in contemporary Russia

Details: 18 September 2012

Brooklyn Public Library, Institute of Modern Russia and InterArt Gallery present “Winter, Go Away!”, a multimedia program on the protest movement in contemporary Russia. September 30, 2012 at Central Library, Dweck Center.

Details: Economics

Sergei Guriev: Before 2018 we'll have another presidential election

Details: 09 October 2012; Olga Khvostunova

In September, the Russian government started to actively discuss the country's 2013 draft budget. The key issue is how to reduce the gap between the state's social responsibilities and its financial resources. On the eve of the new political season IMR's Olga Khvostunova spoke with Sergei Guriev, President of the New Economic School, about the government's future economic policies and their impact on the country's political development.

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