IMR News - Institute of Modern Russia

Back in the USSR

Details: News

Back in the USSR

Details: Olga Khvostunova

On October 5, Vladimir Putin published an op-ed in Izvestia, where he discussed the future of the Common Economic Space of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan (CES), an integration project that will start in 2012, and also explores the possibilities of the so-called Eurasia Union.

Putin Steps Up For the Third Term

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Putin Steps Up For the Third Term

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The most important question in Russian politics was finally answered at Saturday’s party session of United Russia. Current President Dmitry Medvedev announced that he is stepping down to make way for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Russia’s No. 1 politician for the last ten years, to return to the office of the presidency in 2012.

“The outcomes of the elections in Russia are predetermined”

Details: News

“The outcomes of the elections in Russia are predetermined”

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On September 22, the Helsinki Commission of the United States held a briefing on the upcoming elections in Russia. Russian experts shared their views on the procedural side of the elections, their possible outcomes and their importance for the United States and Russia.

No Chance for Russian Opposition

Details: News

No Chance for Russian Opposition

Details: Olga Khvostunova

On September 16, Institute of Modern Russia and the Harriman Institute (CU) hosted a discussion panel entitled “Russian Elections 2011-12: Is There a Chance For Political Opposition”. The answer to that question was, unfortunately, no — unless there are some substantial changes in the political system.

Democracy Under Care

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Democracy Under Care

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On September 15, Parliamentary Forum for Democracy convened on Capitol Hill to explore current challenges to democratic development. Experts and officials of several former Soviet republics shared their views on the problems in their countries.

A New Documentary about Anna Politkovskaya Premiered in NYC

Details: News

A New Documentary about Anna Politkovskaya Premiered in NYC

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During last week a new documentary by Marina Goldovskaya, an acclaimed Russian filmmaker, was screening at the International Film Center in New York City. It is called “A Bitter Taste of Freedom” and its main character is Anna Politkovskaya, a prominent Russian investigative journalist who was killed in Moscow in October 2006.

Russia Presents a “Challenge To Democratic Reform”

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Russia Presents a “Challenge To Democratic Reform”

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On July 26, 2011, the US Congress House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) held an open hearing on the State of Democracy and Freedom in Eastern Europe. Four experts were invited to the panel to provide their testimonies on the current situation in the region. They all suggested that, given the latest negative political trends in Eastern Europe, the U.S. should pay closer attention to Russia, as the neighboring states are influenced by its policies and authority.

A Double Mockery

Details: News

A Double Mockery

Details: Olga Khvostunova

On July 21, the latest Kremlin political creation ‘People’s Front’ (“Narodny Front”) started the preliminary voting, or the so-called primaries, for the ‘United Russia’ party elections’ lists. It is expected by the Kremlin that this project will improve the falling ratings of the party by involving a larger number of population in the voting process. It is planned that eventually it will become a part of Vladimir Putin’s political platform if he decides upon a glorious comeback as a president in 2012.

Is It Time to Pause the ‘Reset’?

Details: News

Is It Time to Pause the ‘Reset’?

Details: Evgeniya Khilji

On Thursday, July 7, the Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen held the open hearings on the US-Russia ‘reset’ policy architected by the Obama Administration. The main question raised was whether the ‘reset’ should be paused or continued in the ‘face of Russian aggression’.

Details: News

The Russian Medium Sends the Message

Details: Olga Khvostunova

The recent conflict surrounding Izvestia, one of the oldest newspaper brands in Russia, gives rise to a new wave of talks about the situation in the media market. Though the major reason for layoffs and management shifts appear to be economically induced, in Russia one cannot help wondering whether these changes might be symptoms of social and political deterioration throughout Russian society.

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