Politics - Institute of Modern Russia

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The Autumn of the Dictator. Part Two

Between Europe and Russia

Details: 09 December 2012; Olga Khvostunova

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of article on the political history of contemporary Belarus. In the first installment, we focused on the reasons for the failure of Belarusian ethnic national project; the mistakes of the post-Soviet democratic period; Alexander Lukashenko's fast rise to power; and transformation of the country into a presidential republic. In the second article of the series, we will speak about political repressions under Lukashenko's rule and his political maneuvring of the last 15 years between Europe and Russia. It appears that Belarusian president has recently become fully dependent on the Kremlin's and Vladimir Putin's will.

Details: Politics

The Propaganda of the Putin Era

Part Two: The Kremlin's Tentacles

Details: 05 December 2012

The Institute of Modern Russia continues its series of articles that are focused upon the operation of the propaganda machine within the system of power constructed by Vladimir Putin. In the first installment, IMR experts analyzed “domestic” propaganda, aimed at sustaining the popularity of the regime and its leader among Russian voters. Part two of the series studies "foreign" propaganda—that is, building a positive image of the Kremlin abroad. Despite the destruction of the USSR, many Soviet style mechanisms of propaganda have been recently reengaged. Still, new methods of propaganda have also been developed.

Details: Politics

The Autumn of the Dictator. Part One

Details: 30 November 2012; Olga Khvostunova

The Institute of Modern Russian starts a series of articles on the political history of contemporary Belarus. The authoritarian regime imposed on the country by Alexander Lukashenko is often compared to Putin's regime in Russia, but the Belarusian president surpasses his Russian colleague in terms of years in power (18) and the political system’s rigidity. Our research shows that the evolution of authoritarianism in Belarus has reached its final stage: the country has reached a political and economic dead-end. In the history of Lukashenko’s rule there are many lessons for Russia.

Details: Politics

Four Kinds of Crises for the Putin Regime—and the Beginning of Its End

Details: 27 November 2012; Tatiana Stanovaya

The circumstances surrounding the recent dismissal of Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and his replacement with Sergei Shoygu (governor of the Moscow region and, prior to that, Emergency Management Minister) have put the crisis faced by the present Russian authorities in plain view. According to IMR expert Tatyana Stanovaya, this controversy indicates that Vladimir Putin’s regime is approaching its days of reckoning.

Details: Politics

The Propaganda of the Putin Era

Part One: In Russia

Details: 13 November 2012

The Institute of Modern Russia is launching a series of publications that will be focused upon the operation of the propaganda machine within the system of power constructed by Vladimir Putin. In this first installment, IMR experts analyze the layout, content, and efficacy of propaganda geared toward “domestic consumption”—that is, toward sustaining the popularity of the regime and its leader among Russian voters.