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The “Shelling of Parliament” or Coup d’Etat #2?

Details: 16 October 2013; Alexander Yanov

The twentieth anniversary of the crisis of September–October 1993—the conflict between Russian President Boris Yeltsin and the Supreme Soviet—is being widely discussed in the media. Historian Alexander Yanov, a scholar of Russian nationalism, offers his perspective on these events.

Details: Economics

Why Russia Doesn’t Need High Oil Prices

Details: 15 October 2013; Olga Khvostunova

Oil price fluctuations that exceed $100 per barrel create comfortable conditions for Russia’s economy, as its budget is balanced at around $90 per barrel. Further escalation of the situation in the Middle East could bring oil prices up, seemingly playing into the Russian government’s hands. But according to IMR Advisor Olga Khvostunova, high oil prices will not help the country’s sagging economy.

Details: Press

Opening of Exhibition Dedicated to Khodorkovsky

Details: 08 October 2013

The exhibition features a series of photos by photographer Mikhail Friedman, titled "Photo 51," as well as photos from Mikhail Khodorkovsky's archive. Alongside the photos, visitors can see documents, items, and books belonging to Khodorkovsky. The exhibition was organized in cooperation with the Institute of Modern Russia.

Details: Politics

Putin’s “Praetorian Guard”

Details: 10 October 2013; Donald N. Jensen

In September, Vladimir Putin appointed Colonel General Viktor Zolotov, who used to head the Russian president’s security service, as deputy commander of the Interior Ministry troops, a large paramilitary force of about 170,000 soldiers. This appointment may be a step toward the creation of a new National Guard. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, contends that Putin’s actions point to his fear of renewed mass protests in Russia.

Details: Nation

Russia’s Slave Labor

Details: 09 October 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

Last month, Russian political prisoner Nadezhda Tolokonnikova penned an open letter detailing the conditions in the Mordovia prison camp in which she is held. Among other things, she described forced prison labor. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek discusses the world’s conflicting attitudes to prison slave labor—and the goods it produces.

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