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Russia’s Elections, the “Novichok” Factor, Putin’s Lost Decade

Details: 16 March 2018

On March 18, Russia will hold presidential elections with a pre-determined result: Vladimir Putin is slated to win his fourth term with six more years in office. By then, barring some catastrophic event, he will have ruled Russia for almost 25 years. In the runup to the elections, independent Russian experts discuss the potential turnout, the results of Putin’s almost-two-decade rule so far, and his foreign policy messaging.

Details: Opinions

Michael Khodarkovsky: “Democracy in Russia Is Not Only Possible—It’s Inevitable”

Details: 15 March 2018; Olga Khvostunova

As Vladimir Putin is about to be re-elected for another presidential term thus becoming one of the longest serving Russian leaders in history, IMR's Olga Khvostunova sat down with Michael Khodarkovsky, Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago, to discuss Putin's legacy, the lessons of the Russian Revolution, the Russian government's attempts to whitewash the past, and the country's outlook for the future. Given the length of this interview, it is published in two parts. Part one is available below; part two will be released next week.

Details: Media Must-Reads

Putin’s War, Miraculous Weapon, Conflict of Uniquenesses

The Russian media roundup, March 3-9, 2018

Details: 09 March 2018

In this week’s roundup, Alexander Rubtsov, Alexander Baunov, Vladimir Frolov and Dmitri Trenin discusses Vladimir Putin’s March 1 speech, focusing on various aspects—PR stunts, military technology, and foreign policy implications. And Mikhail Krutikhin writes about the potential for a new “gas war” between Gazprom and Europe.

Details: Opinions

Michael Khodarkovsky: “Sweeping history under the rug does not save the country from future problems”

Details: 06 March 2018; Olga Khvostunova

As Vladimir Putin is about to be re-elected for another presidential term thus becoming one of the longest serving Russian leaders in history, IMR's Olga Khvostunova sat down with Michael Khodarkovsky, Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago, to discuss Putin's legacy, the lessons of the Russian Revolution, the Russian government's attempts to whitewash the past, and the country's outlook for the future. Given the length of this interview, it will be published in two parts. Part one is available below; part two will be released next week.

Details: Event Briefings

The Return of Global Russia?

Details: 08 March 2018; Daniel Frey

On March 1st, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace hosted a panel event to mark the launch of its Global Russia project—an initiative aimed at uncovering the “whys” and “hows” of Moscow’s increasingly aggressive foreign policy. Notable speakers included Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), investigative journalist Elizaveta Osetinskaya, foreign policy expert Andrew Weiss, and former CIA Deputy Director John McLaughlin.

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