Politics - Institute of Modern Russia

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Putin Talked, But Nothing Was Said

Details: Politics

Putin Talked, But Nothing Was Said

Details: 19 December 2014; Olga Khvostunova

On December 18, Vladimir Putin gave his annual end-of-year press conference, summarizing the events of the past twelve months. But during this three-hour talk, he said nothing new. According to Olga Khvostunova, editor-in-chief of imrussia.org, this lack of originality means that the Kremlin has neither a concrete plan nor a clear view for how the country will emerge from the current crisis.

Details: Politics

Eyes Wide Shut

Details: 10 December 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On December 4, Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly. Many analysts looked forward to the speech with great anticipation; however, it raised the question of whether President Putin realizes the full extent of the economic and political crises facing Russia.

Details: Politics

Double Loss

Details: 03 November 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On October 20, Christophe de Margerie, CEO of French energy giant Total, was killed in a plane crash at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, Russia lost not only a business partner and a supporter in the international arena in this tragic accident, but also a successful example of a business model unfettered by politics.

The Worse, the Better

Details: Politics

The Worse, the Better

Details: 10 October 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The sky-high public approval ratings of Vladimir Putin and his policies raise serious concerns about the future of the nonsystemic opposition in Russia. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the more the Kremlin tightens the screws, the more opportunities there might appear for the opposition to increase strength.

Who Is Behind Yevtushenkov’s Arrest?

Details: Politics

Who Is Behind Yevtushenkov’s Arrest?

Details: 22 September 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On September 15, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, chairman of the Sistema conglomerate, was placed under house arrest on charges of money laundering in connection with Sistema’s acquisition of the Bashneft oil company. Analysts quickly drew a parallel between this arrest and the Yukos case. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses the real reasons for the prosecution of Yevtushenkov.

The Kremlin’s Dull Victory

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Dull Victory

Details: 18 September 2014; Maria Karnaukh

On September 14, Russia held its regional elections. Following an extremely low turnout, and the manipulation and removal of opposition candidates, representatives of the ruling party won in all regions. Kommersant correspondent Maria Karnaukh summarizes the voting results.

Illusory Ceasefire

Details: Politics

Illusory Ceasefire

Details: 11 September 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

On September 5, 2014, a ceasefire between the Ukrainian government and separatist groups in eastern Ukraine was signed in Minsk, Belarus. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the Minsk agreement is impossible to implement and will ultimately fail on all fronts.

Why the Kremlin Is Actually Losing the War

Details: Politics

Why the Kremlin Is Actually Losing the War

Details: 09 September 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In late August, the Ukrainian crisis entered a new phase. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the freezing of the conflict in eastern Ukraine might seem like a victory for the Kremlin, but in a broader perspective, it means that Moscow is in fact failing to achieve its geopolitical goal of restraining NATO.

Russian Separatism: The Hotbeds of Tension

Details: Politics

Russian Separatism: The Hotbeds of Tension

Details: 29 August 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The Ukrainian crisis has once again kindled the flames of Russian separatism—a problem that has plagued the authorities for many years. On August 17, 2014, the so-called “March for the Federalization of Siberia” was supposed to take place in Novosibirsk, but it was forbidden from occurring by the local authorities. All articles covering the issue were retracted upon the request of Roskomnadzor, the Russian state media watchdog. Writer and journalist Alexander Podrabinek discusses which Russian regions have the potential to become breakaways.

Russia vs. Ukraine: From Destabilization to Separatism

Details: Politics

Russia vs. Ukraine: From Destabilization to Separatism

Details: 12 August 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

At the end of July, Vladimir Putin signed a law toughening criminal punishments for calls for separatism. According to writer and analyst Alexander Podrabinek, the Kremlin in this way has revealed its fear that the achievements of the Ukrainian separatists might put in motion potentially threatening mechanisms in Russia.

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