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The Secret Protocol That Changed the World

Details: 10 June 2015; Ekaterina Mishina

During celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, saying it was meant to protect the USSR’s national security interests. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina analyzes the pact, and the implications of its secret protocol, which are among the darkest and most shameful pages in Russian history.

Details: World

Is the U.S. Softening its Approach toward Russia?

Details: 29 May 2015; Donald N. Jensen

The visit of two high-level U.S. officials to Russia in mid-May suggests that Washington has decided to play a more active role in settling the Ukraine crisis and that relations between the U.S. and Russia, strained since the fighting began, may be improving slightly. Donald Jensen, resident fellow of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, predicts that the deadlock will continue, but the Kremlin will retain the initiative in this matter, no matter how engaged U.S. diplomacy might be.

Details: Nation

The Label of An Enemy

Details: 28 May 2015; Denis Volkov

Less than three years ago Russia passed a law on so-called “foreign agents.” On May 23, 2015, Vladimir Putin signed another bill restricting the work of nongovernmental organizations, known as the law on “undesirable” organizations. Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov analyzes the consequences of these repressive measures and concludes that the process of deinstitutionalization of the civil sphere has already started in Russia.

Details: Law

“Divine Totalitarianism”

Details: 22 May 2015; Ekaterina Mishina

In recent years, religion and the state in Russia have tended to be closely intertwined, with the state using the church as an instrument of manipulation. This is evidenced by the recent conflict over the staging of Tannhӓuser at the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater. IMR legal expert Ekaterina Mishina analyzes the relationship between the government and the church in today’s Russia and draws parallels with totalitarian and fascist regimes of the recent past.

Details: Event Briefings

Will Putin’s Regime Survive the Current Crisis?

Details: 18 May 2015; Ezekiel Pfeifer

On May 14, the American Enterprise Institute held a conference entitled “Putin’s Russia: How It Rose, How It Is Maintained, and How It Might End.” Nine prominent Russia experts discussed the main challenges that Putin’s regime faces today and expects to confront in the next few years.

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