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The Russian Orthodox Church and the Curse of the Mongol Yoke

A Primer on Collaboration with Despotism

Details: 10 August 2012; Alexander Yanov

In the past few months, we have witnessed a resurgence of public debate on the rising influence of the Russian Orthodox Church ("ROC") on the Russian political and ideological landscape. On one hand, there are Russians that have increasingly embraced the church's ways of life and observances, with fervent support for its hierarchs' activities. On the other, numerous ROC actions and statements have led to increasing criticism by progressively-minded members of society.

Details: Politics

Building an Alternative to Putin: Practical Steps

Details: 07 August 2012; Tatiana Stanovaya

In December of 2011 a new political phenomenon has taken shape in Russia. Its key features include the mobilization of the urban class angered by the increasingly repressive regime, and the confrontation between the actively dissenting minority and the conformist majority of the population. As Russian opposition functioning outside of the official political system is groping for possible ways of action in this new reality, numerous inquiries on ways to organize are surfacing with questions such as: What strategy would work best? Does it make any sense to engage with the Kremlin? Is there a need for a unifying political platform and a united party? Tatyana Stanovaya, IMR advisor and Head of Analytics Department at the Center of Political Technologies, provides us with her insights on, and some answers to these questions.

Details: Nation

Pussy Riot: A Cause Célèbre

Details: 03 August 2012

On July 31st, 2012 the trial of Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot started in Moscow. The court hearings have attracted a great deal of global attention: the U.S. State Department has called it politically motivated, while many world-famous musical acts, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sting, have voiced their support for the band. For Pussy Riot’s domestic and international supporters, the disproportionate reaction of the Russian authorities to a punk prank, a “prayer against Putin” performed in a Russian Orthodox church, appears ridiculous. Despite the serious charges against them, the punks seem to be stealing the agenda.

Details: Events

IMR at the XIX International AIDS Conference of 2012

Details: 02 August 2012

On July 23rd, at the XIX International AIDS Conference of 2012 in Washington, DC, the Institute of Modern Russia showcased a series of black and white photographs portraying HIV/AIDS and TB-afflicted patients, taken in various parts of Russia by a renowned New York–based photographer, Misha Friedman. The exhibition, titled "Putin’s Russia: Life with HIV/AIDS and TB", was followed by a panel discussed organized by the Institute. IMR Director, Lidiya Dukhovich, provides her perspective on Putin and his government's role in the rapidly spreading HIV / AIDS and TB epidemic in Russia.

Details: Economics

Putin’s Six Tricks

Details: 31 July 2012; Igor Booth

A popular belief among the political observers skeptical of Russia’s stability is that if oil prices fall below 60 USD per barrel and remain there for more than a year, Putin’s regime will fall. However, IMR's economic advisor Igor Booth argues that the Russian government has a significant arsenal for fighting the potential economic crisis, no matter how serious it becomes. Only a small number of critical mistakes in economic policy could destabilize the country sufficiently to force the regime out of power.

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