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Patriotic Hysteria

Details: 16 July 2013; Alexander Yanov

The Institute of Modern Russia continues the series of articles by prominent scholar Alexander Yanov on the history Russian nationalism. In this installment, the author talks about the phenomenon of spontaneous “patriotic hysteria” that began with the brutal suppression of the Polish uprising in 1863–64 and that has been occasionally disrupting Russia ever since.

Details: Nation

Reform of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Checkmate in Two Moves

Details: 15 July 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

In late June, radical reforms of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) that presuppose the elimination of the Academy in its current form were approved in a Russian government session. The news shocked the scientific community, triggering an unprecedented storm of protests. However, after Vladimir Putin intervened, it became clear that the Kremlin had carried out a two-part move: it took control of the previously independent Russian Academy of Sciences and then labeled Medvedev’s government as the guilty party in the unpopular decision. Political scientist Tatyana Stanovaya describes how cynically the regime pushed the reform through.

Details: Politics

Is Putin’s Totalitarianism Inevitable?

Details: 11 July 2013; Alexander Podrabinek

The criminal nature of Putin’s government and his circle is obvious to many. Today, Putin openly demonstrates the direction in which the regime is moving—to further tightening of the screws. However, as author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek points out, opposition still retains a good chance to maintain a dignified resistance.

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Personnel Somersault

Details: 09 July 2013; Tatiana Stanovaya

At the end of June, the Russian media reported that first deputy head of the Central Bank Alexei Ulyukayev was appointed as the new Economy Minister, while Andrei Belousov, who used to occupy this post, became the new presidential aide. Earlier this year, former presidential aide Elvira Nabiullina was approved as the new head of Central Bank by the State Duma. The Kremlin tends to keep the public in the dark regarding personnel decisions until the last moment, but in this case premature leaks indicate that Putin did not make these decisions easily. Political scientist Tatiana Stanovaya investigates the Kremlin’s approach to personnel sorting.

Details: Politics

Who "Fired" Yakunin?

Details: 08 July 2013; Donald N. Jensen

On June 19th, Vladimir Yakunin, head of Russian Railways, found himself in an awkward situation: Russian government's press service announced his resignation. Half an hour later, this news was declared false. Donald N. Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discusses various versions of what had happened to Mr Yakunin.

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