Opinions - Institute of Modern Russia

Latest Articles

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

Details: Opinions

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

Details: Opinions

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’

Details: Opinions

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.”

Details: Opinions

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?

Details: Opinions

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

Details: Opinions

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.

Mobilization of Russia’s Opposition

Details: Opinions

Mobilization of Russia’s Opposition

Details: 05 May 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

On April 17, Mikhail Kasyanov’s Republican Party of Russia—People’s Freedom Party (RPR-Parnas) and Alexei Navalny’s Party of Progress announced the creation of an oppositional coalition, which has since been joined by other opposition forces, in preparation for Russia’s upcoming elections. However, according to writer Alexander Podrabinek, under the current political regime even unified opposition forces have very slight chances of winning. The April 28 decision by Russia’s Ministry of Justice to bar the Party of Progress from registering in the upcoming elections proves this point.

Sergei Aleksashenko: “Like homeopathy, sanctions work slowly”

Details: Opinions

Sergei Aleksashenko: “Like homeopathy, sanctions work slowly”

Details: 04 May 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts on the situation in Russia, its relationship with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk spoke with former chairman of Russia’s Central Bank, economist Sergei Aleksashenko, about the social and political situation in the country, the Kremlin’s propaganda, Putin’s tactics in Donbass, and the efficiency of Western sanctions.

Corruption Circle

Details: Opinions

Corruption Circle

Details: 08 April 2015; Alexander Podrabinek

The case of deputy of city council Tatyana Kotlyar, who has registered about a thousand immigrants at her apartment for free, is now being prosecuted in Obninsk. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this criminal case against Kotlyar is a natural extension of a thoroughly corrupted political system and illegal laws that contradict the provisions of the Russian Constitution.

Dmitry Oreshkin: “In the light of Nemtsov’s murder, Putin looks like a weak and dependent politician”

Details: Opinions

Dmitry Oreshkin: “In the light of Nemtsov’s murder, Putin looks like a weak and dependent politician”

Details: 06 April 2015; Leonid Martynyuk

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of interviews with Russian and Western experts on the situation in Russia, its relationship with the West, and the future of its political system. Journalist Leonid Martynyuk speaks with prominent Russian political scientist Dmitry Oreshkin about the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, Putin’s policy toward Ukraine, and its consequences.

1
2
3
4
...
6
7
8

Our newsletter delivers a digest of analytical articles and op-eds published on our website, along with the latest updates on the IMR activities on a monthly basis.