Opinions - Institute of Modern Russia

Latest Articles

Horror of Revelation

Details: Opinions

Horror of Revelation

Details: 09 December 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

In his annual address to the Federal Assembly, Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s historical importance. However, according to writer Alexander Podrabinek, the Russian president’s most recent speech was full of empty pomp, historical contradictions, and common nonsense.

The End of Illusions

Details: Opinions

The End of Illusions

Details: 05 December 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 signaled the end of the Cold War. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, over the last quarter-century, most Western democracies have been indulging in wishful thinking by considering Russia to be a modern nation governed by law. The time has come to face the stark reality.

David Kramer “Democratization in Russia Has to Come Internally”

Details: Opinions

David Kramer “Democratization in Russia Has to Come Internally”

Details: 01 December 2014; Denis Volkov

Prominent expert in democratic development David Kramer has recently finished his tenure as president of Freedom House and assumed the position of senior director for Human Rights and Freedom at the McCain Institute for International Leadership. In one of his last interviews as head of Freedom House, Kramer spoke with Levada Center sociologist Denis Volkov on the possibility of democracy in Russia.

Evgeny Kiselev: “Russian media are becoming showpieces from a Kunstkamera”

Details: Opinions

Evgeny Kiselev: “Russian media are becoming showpieces from a Kunstkamera”

Details: 26 November 2014; Olga Melnikova

Prominent TV presenter and star of the so-called “old” NTV channel, Evgeny Kiselev has been living and working in Kiev since 2008. He was one of the first Russian journalists who was forced out of Putin’s political system. Kiselev spoke with IMR’s Olga Melnikova about the future of journalism in Russia, Kremlin propaganda, his life as an emigrant, and his chances of returning to Russia.

Unnecessary Sacrifice

Details: Opinions

Unnecessary Sacrifice

Details: 24 November 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

Two-thirds of Russian citizens continue to support the food embargo imposed by the Russian government in August 2014 despite its negative impact on the country’s economy. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this phenomenon derives from a legacy of Soviet thinking, upbringing, and way of life.

Russia Will Deport Refugees Back to North Korea

Details: Opinions

Russia Will Deport Refugees Back to North Korea

Details: 05 November 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

In early September of this year, the Russian government and the North Korean authorities prepared a bilateral agreement on the deportation of refugees. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, the document does not mention either human rights or judicial protection for refugees. Refugees forced to return to North Korea will face execution.

Vladimir Putin’s Valdai Show

Details: Opinions

Vladimir Putin’s Valdai Show

Details: 28 October 2014; Olga Khvostunova

On the last day of the annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Vladimir Putin delivered a speech in which he accused the United States of attempting to establish a global dictatorship. Olga Khvostunova, editor-in-chief of imrussia.org, speculates that the Russian president might have been subconsciously speaking about himself.

Russian Schools: Feel the Difference

Details: Opinions

Russian Schools: Feel the Difference

Details: 23 October 2014; Olga Melnikova

Education reform has brought much chaos to the complex Russian education system. Holdovers from Soviet schools are mingled with issues arising from politics and the reforms themselves. Moscow journalist and mother of two Olga Melnikova shares her experience of the problems facing modern Russian schools.

Sitting on Two Chairs

Details: Opinions

Sitting on Two Chairs

Details: 13 October 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

At the end of September, the Russian State Duma passed several amendments to the law “On Mass Media.” Starting in 2016, the share of foreign capital in any Russian media company cannot exceed 20 percent. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this limitation might have an effect opposite to that intended, putting Russia’s foreign interests abroad at risk.

The Lessons of Scottish Separatism

Details: Opinions

The Lessons of Scottish Separatism

Details: 30 September 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

On September 18, Scotland held an independence referendum that was accompanied by heated debates both inside and outside the country. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, Scotland’s experience is relevant to Russia, since it shows that truly democratic countries can deal with issues of separatism without resorting to bloodshed.

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.