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Timur Kuran: 'An Atmosphere of Repression Leads to Preference Falsification Among Opinion Leaders'

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Timur Kuran: 'An Atmosphere of Repression Leads to Preference Falsification Among Opinion Leaders'

Details: 14 October 2015; Denis Volkov

The phenomenon of Vladimir Putin’s sky-high approval rating (over 80 percent) is widely discussed by social scientists. One argument holds that this number is inaccurate and that pollsters are at fault. Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov spoke to Timur Kuran, a prominent social thinker and a professor of economics and political science at Duke University, about the concept of “preference falsification,” which helps explain the high approval ratings attained by leaders of repressive regimes.

Igor Sutyagin: ‘The Likelihood of War with the West, Alas, Is Far from Zero’

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Igor Sutyagin: ‘The Likelihood of War with the West, Alas, Is Far from Zero’

Details: 15 September 2015; Olga Khvostunova

Over the last year, the rhetoric of war has increasingly colored discussions about relations between Russia and the West. More American and European military and political figures have started calling Russia the main threat to the security of their countries, and Moscow has ordered more large-scale military exercises than usual, in regions from the Arctic to the Far East. Igor Sutyagin, senior research assistant at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), spoke with Imrussia.org editor-in-chief Olga Khvostunova about the combat readiness of Russian forces and the prospect of a military conflict breaking out between Russia and the West.

The Curious Case of the Soviet Star Painter

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Opinions

Political Prisoners

The Curious Case of the Soviet Star Painter

Details: 27 August 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

On August 17, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court initiated proceedings on the so-called “roofers’ case”: Last year, roofer Pavel Ushivets scaled the golden pinnacle of a Stalin-era skyscraper and painted half of it blue to resemble Ukraine’s national colors, then planted a Ukrainian flag on its spire. Instead of arresting the roofer, though, police arrested four base-jumpers who happened to climb the building that same day. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, the vandalism case initiated against the base-jumpers is ridiculous both in form and in content, and the accused are essentially being held hostage.

Gleb Sitkovsky: ‘The Government Believes That If It Gives Money to Theaters, It Has the Right to Make Demands’

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Gleb Sitkovsky: ‘The Government Believes That If It Gives Money to Theaters, It Has the Right to Make Demands’

Details: 18 August 2015; Polina Surnina

In recent years, the Russian government has begun to interfere more significantly in the work of cultural institutions. As part of the Institute of Modern Russia’s ongoing interview series, journalist Polina Surnina spoke with theater critic Gleb Sitkovsky about manifestations of patriotism in theater, anonymous zealots of morality, and attempts by the Culture Ministry to exercise control over the creative process.

Georgy Satarov: ‘The Opposition Needs to Put the Authorities in Zugzwang’

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Georgy Satarov: ‘The Opposition Needs to Put the Authorities in Zugzwang’

Details: 12 August 2015; Olga Khvostunova

As part of the Institute of Modern Russia’s ongoing interview series with Russian and Western experts, imrussia.org editor-in-chief Olga Khvostunova sat down with INDEM Foundation president Georgy Satarov to talk about social discontent, the consequences of the law on ’’undesirable organizations,’’ the principle of simplification in Putin’s politics, and the chances for a real opposition to emerge in Russia.

Patriots of Banning

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Patriots of Banning

Details: 07 August 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

On July 7, a so-called “patriotic stop-list” was created in Russia, identifying twelve foreign non-governmental organizations whose activity has been deemed “undesirable” in the country. On July 22, the MacArthur Foundation, included in the stop-list, announced its decision to leave Russia. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this is only the beginning of a large-scale campaign against Russian civil society.

Vitaly Portnikov: ‘Ukraine Will Have Friendly and Honest Relations with a Russia That Seeks European Integration’

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Vitaly Portnikov: ‘Ukraine Will Have Friendly and Honest Relations with a Russia That Seeks European Integration’

Details: 23 July 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with experts on the situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of the country’s political system. On the eve of the anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Donetsk, journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with Ukrainian writer Vitaly Portnikov about the various theories that exist regarding the cause of the tragedy, the possibility of an international tribunal to investigate the incident, Putin’s plans with regard to Ukraine, and future relations between the two countries.

Garry Kasparov: “The only difference between the system now and a totalitarian one is the absence of mass repression.”

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Garry Kasparov: “The only difference between the system now and a totalitarian one is the absence of mass repression.”

Details: 13 July 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts about the situation in Russia, its relations with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation Garry Kasparov, about the logic and features of the development of Putin’s dictatorship, his foreign policy escapades, and the conditions that could cause the fall of his regime.

Putin’s Rating: How Much Would You Like?

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Putin’s Rating: How Much Would You Like?

Details: 08 July 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

According to the latest poll by the Levada Center, Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has reached 89%—a record figure for his 15-year hold on power. Alexander Podrabinek argues that since it is practically impossible to verify the trustworthiness of the figures involved, the results of the poll should be viewed skeptically.

The Show Will Go On

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The Show Will Go On

Details: 11 May 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

Surrounding May 9, Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany, the solemn voices of newsreaders, propagandists, and spokesmen of the Russian government sounded louder than ever. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, authorities at all levels are seeking to use the World War II military victory as the basis for a national idea, while Russian society, being ideologically inexperienced, attempts to imitate the authorities.

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