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Romney and the Kremlin: Russian Themes at the 2012 Republican National Convention

Details: 04 September 2012

Although the economy has without question emerged as a central theme of the 2012 U.S. presidential campaign, foreign policy – particularly policy towards Russia – was a prominent subject at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke about Russia in his acceptance speech, the GOP Platform features a section devoted to Russia, and an expert conference during the Convention explored the future of U.S.-Russia relations under a Republican administration.

Details: Nation

A Day Lost: The End of Russia's Tandem

Details: 05 September 2012; Tatiana Stanovaya

On August 8, while Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was traveling to South Ossetia, a documentary was posted on the Internet charging him, the former Commander-in-Chief and President of the Russian Federation, with criminal neglect regarding South Ossetia on the eve of Russia’s 2008 war with Georgia. The influential military commanders interviewed in the film claimed that Medvedev’s delay in launching a military attack on Georgia significantly increased the war’s casualties. Who are these filmmakers, and why did they producethis film? Tatyana Stanovaya provides us with some possible answers found in the Russian media.

Details: Nation

“Corruption: Russia’s Own Special Way”

Details: 29 August 2012

A recent Sunday Times op-ed on corruption by New York photographer Misha Friedman is essential reading for anyone who lives or runs a business in Russia. "I have been working on this project for the past six months," Friedman writes. "I see corruption as more than something done to people; it is something they participate in. It involves both a resignation to and a justification of a state of iniquity, insecurity and mistrust."

Details: Law

The “St. Petersburg Twelve”: International Legal Violations

Details: 28 August 2012; Sergei Golubok

Another politically motivated trial, the so-called case of the “St. Petersburg twelve,” is about to resume in St. Petersburg, Russia. Twelve members of The Other Russia movement are accused of continuing the activities of the banned National Boshevik party. IMR presents an op-ed of Sergei Golubok, Ph.D., defense counsel for one of the accused, Andrei Pesotsky.

Details: Nation

IMR: The Pussy Riot case is a crucial link in a chain of crimes committed by Putin's regime

Details: 24 August 2012

On August 17, three Pussy Riot band members were sentenced to two years in prison for their provocative punk prayer performed in Moscow's Christ the Savior Church. The trial, replete with numerous legal violations, and the harsh verdict triggered protests around the world. We feel that the Pussy Riot case represents a crucial link in an extensive chain of crimes committed by the current Russian administration.

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