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Putin Gets a Cold Reception at the G20

Details: 08 December 2014; Donald N. Jensen

The war in Ukraine was not formally on the agenda at the recent G20 meeting in Australia, but in one-on-one meetings, Russian president Vladimir Putin faced sharp criticism from Western leaders over Russia’s military adventures in Ukraine. Nevertheless, according to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, despite this setback, Putin is still not ready to give up his challenge to the West.

Details: Opinions

The End of Illusions

Details: 05 December 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 signaled the end of the Cold War. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, over the last quarter-century, most Western democracies have been indulging in wishful thinking by considering Russia to be a modern nation governed by law. The time has come to face the stark reality.

Details: Opinions

David Kramer “Democratization in Russia Has to Come Internally”

Details: 01 December 2014; Denis Volkov

Prominent expert in democratic development David Kramer has recently finished his tenure as president of Freedom House and assumed the position of senior director for Human Rights and Freedom at the McCain Institute for International Leadership. In one of his last interviews as head of Freedom House, Kramer spoke with Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov on the possibility of democracy in Russia.

Details: Opinions

Evgeny Kiselev: “Russian media are becoming showpieces from a Kunstkamera”

Details: 26 November 2014; Olga Melnikova

Prominent TV presenter and star of the so-called “old” NTV channel, Evgeny Kiselev has been living and working in Kiev since 2008. He was one of the first Russian journalists who was forced out of Putin’s political system. Kiselev spoke with IMR’s Olga Melnikova about the future of journalism in Russia, Kremlin propaganda, his life as an emigrant, and his chances of returning to Russia.

Details: Opinions

Unnecessary Sacrifice

Details: 24 November 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

Two-thirds of Russian citizens continue to support the food embargo imposed by the Russian government in August 2014 despite its negative impact on the country’s economy. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this phenomenon derives from a legacy of Soviet thinking, upbringing, and way of life.

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