Politics - Institute of Modern Russia

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Vladimir Gelman: “Russia’s leadership is increasingly facing problems of succession and lack of perspective”
“They keep attempting to extract testimony in exchange for my life”
Whither legitimacy? Lessons of Russia’s rigged elections
Scholars discuss a new book on Navalny adding touches to a portrait of the Russian opposition leader
The Biden-Zelensky summit: security, threats, and “working on mistakes”

Political Schizophrenia or Existential Crisis?

Details: Politics

Political Schizophrenia or Existential Crisis?

Details: 24 May 2017; Olga Khvostunova

At his last week’s press conference Vladimir Putin claimed that “political schizophrenia” has been developing in the U.S. These words were said in response to the question regarding the Washington Post’s breaking story that at an Oval Office meeting with Russian diplomats Donald Trump passed to them certain classified information on ISIS. Is it possible that given the current developments inside Russia itself, Vladimir Putin made a Freudian slip? IMR’s Olga Khvostunova weighs in.

Novaya Gazeta’s Investigation: How Boris Nemtsov Was Murdered

Details: Politics

Novaya Gazeta’s Investigation: How Boris Nemtsov Was Murdered

Details: 02 March 2016

At the end of February, Novaya Gazeta published its investigation of the murder of Boris Nemtsov, one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, who was shot dead in the center of Moscow a year ago. Since Russian authorities are refusing to even question certain Chechen leaders who might be behind this assassination, we think it’s important that the details of this case, as well as the names of the likely perpetrators, are known in the West.

13 Takeaways from Ilya Yashin’s Kadyrov Report

Details: Politics

13 Takeaways from Ilya Yashin’s Kadyrov Report

Details: 25 February 2016

On February 23, Ilya Yashin presented his long-anticipated report entitled “Threat to National Security” exposing the controversial rule of Ramzan Kadyrov. Below are some key facts about the Chechen president.

The Kremlin’s Love and Fear of Separatism

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Love and Fear of Separatism

Details: 12 November 2015; Konstantin Fischer

Moscow is rapidly establishing itself as Europe’s largest state sponsor of separatist movements. But can Russia play this role and at the same time contain secessionist sentiments within its own borders? Independent journalist Konstantin Fischer examines the Kremlin’s precarious double game when it comes to separatism.

Russia’s Elites Battle Over a Shrinking Economic Pie

Details: Politics

Russia’s Elites Battle Over a Shrinking Economic Pie

Details: 21 October 2015; Donald N. Jensen

President Vladimir Putin faces an immense challenge in addressing Russia’s economic crisis, which has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the political and business elites. The government has cut budget spending by 10 percent and Putin has tightened the reins at state firms, intensifying competition for resources, writes Donald N. Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations.

Putin’s Fake Victory at the UN

Details: Politics

Putin’s Fake Victory at the UN

Details: 30 September 2015; Olga Khvostunova

On September 28, Vladimir Putin addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time in 10 years. The Russian president’s visit drew close attention from around the world and provoked intense media interest. The results of the trip, however, were quite modest. Imrussia.org editor-in-chief Olga Khvostunova examines the underlying reasons for Putin’s visit to New York.

Kadyrov, Putin, and the Whitewashing of the Nemtsov Investigation

Details: Politics

Kadyrov, Putin, and the Whitewashing of the Nemtsov Investigation

Details: 14 September 2015; Donald N. Jensen

Six months after the murder of Boris Nemtsov, it seems increasingly likely that the man suspected of ordering the killing will avoid criminal charges, thanks to his close connections to Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. This protection granted to Kadyrov and his inner circle by Vladimir Putin could eventually result in a major crisis for the Russian government, argues Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations.

The Myth of Putin’s 89%

Details: Politics

The Myth of Putin’s 89%

Details: 25 June 2015; Donald N. Jensen

A recent public opinion poll said that President Vladimir Putin had attained a record-high approval rating of 89 percent, despite Russia’s massive economic slump and tense relations with the West. But according to Donald Jensen, resident fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, this rating masks a more complex reality when it comes to Russians’ political attitudes and Putin may be more vulnerable than it seems.

December Complex

Details: Politics

December Complex

Details: 22 June 2015; Tatiana Stanovaya

On June 16, at the Kremlin’s initiative, the Constitutional Legislation and State Development Committee of the State Duma recommended the adoption of a bill rescheduling the 2016 parliamentary elections from December to September. Communist opposition to this draft seems hardly likely to prevent this change from being implemented. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the underlying reasons of yet another Kremlin initiative.

Weapons of Mass Deception. Part Two

Details: Politics

Weapons of Mass Deception. Part Two

Details: 17 June 2015; Vasily Gatov

In part one of his essay, prominent Russian media analyst Vasily Gatov explained the origins of Putin’s anti-Western narrative and the current Russian propaganda campaign. In this second installment, he focuses on the twisted logic behind this narrative and the mistakes of the West, and he provides recommendations on how to counter the Kremlin’s offensive.

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