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The EU Eastern Partnership, or Friendship “à la Russe”

Details: 30 September 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

In November, the summit of the EU Eastern Partnership will be held in Vilnius, the objective of which is to develop cooperation between the EU and six ex-Soviet states. The Kremlin is carefully getting ready for this event, eagerly trying to influence Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the European integration of former Soviet republics is one of the biggest “nightmares” of the Russian elite, which still considers the post-Soviet space a zone of Russian influence.

Details: Nation

Humanitarian Intervention: A View from the Inside

Details: 25 September 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

The crisis in Syria has one again raised the question of whether and when international humanitarian interventions are justified. Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek notes that the “sovereignty” argument is most often used by regimes that wish to oppress and murder their own citizens.

Details: Nation

Repetition of History: Empire vs. Nation State in Russia

Details: 24 September 2013; Poel Karp

Nationalism has become an acute issue in modern Russia. Looking back at the country's history, author and sociologist Poel Karp discusses whether or not a "liberal nationalism" is possible in Russia. He concludes that Russia needs such a political force, as the country has no other way to neutralize the explosive imperial ambitions that blew up the USSR.

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Financial Truncheon

Details: 23 September 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

Earlier this month, Vladimir Putin replaced the head of the Russian Accounts Chamber, the state’s primary body of financial control, after thirteen years of continuous chairmanship by Sergei Stepashin. His replacement is “Russian budget queen” Tatyana Golikova, the former health and social development minister. Many observers believe that the Accounts Chamber will gain considerable political influence under her guidance. According to political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya, such a scenario is hardly probable.

Details: Politics

Kremlin’s Electoral “Reform” Could Backfire

Details: 19 September 2013; Vladimir Kara-Murza

Russia’s electoral system is once again being revamped: under new rules, the number of regional and municipal lawmakers who are elected from party lists will be reduced by half. The goal of the ruling party is to maintain control despite its rapidly falling popularity. IMR Senior Policy Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza contends that the reform may actually have the opposite effect.

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