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Lessons in division: is it a good idea to merge Russian regions?

Details: 03 June 2020; András Tóth-Czifra

An attempted merger of the Arkhangelsk Region and the Nenets Autonomous District in Russia’s north has reignited debates about territorial reforms in the country. An examination of previous attempts in 2003-2008 shows that the government has not learned its lesson, which threatens to elevate the risks in regional politics.

Details: Human Rights

May 2020: The Police Ombudsman, Sergei Mokhnatkin, the Novoye Velichiye case

Details: 02 June 2020; Diana Fishman

The arrest of Vladimir Vorontsov, founder of the Police Ombudsman—a project highlighting violations of the rights of ordinary law-enforcement officials—was a notable human rights development in May. Extended arrests of the defendants of the Novoye Velichiye case was similarly disturbing. In even grimmer new, dissident Sergei Mokhnatkin passed away due to complications caused by beatings in custody.

Details: Opinions

Why the Putin Regime Will Stand

Details: 29 May 2020; Vladislav Inozemtsev

Bloomberg recently estimated that Russia’s economy may contract by 16 percent in the second quarter of 2020. According to Russian analysts, its GDP declined by about 28 percent in April. Still, despite the unfolding economic crisis, there is no reason to believe that it will lead to political change.

Details: Opinions

Runet, Multidimensional Politics, and Crisis

A Conversation with Dr. Gregory Asmolov

Details: 27 May 2020

Dr. Gregory Asmolov explains how the Russian Internet—Runet—emerged as a socio-cultural and political free space and became a target for the Kremlin after the mass protests of 2011-2012. In this interview for IMR, political scientist Yana Gorokhovskaia spoke with Asmolov about digital innovation in Russia, state encroachment, and the Runet’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details: Analysis

Why the Kremlin Is Not Giving Up Assad

Details: 14 May 2020; Ksenia Svetlova

A survey produced by an obscure pro-Kremlin website recently sparked global debate about the Kremlin’s potentially abandoning Syrian President Bashar Assad, a long-time Russian ally in the Middle East. While Moscow is indeed increasingly unhappy with Assad, there is little indication that Vladimir Putin has changed his game in the region.

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