Politics - Institute of Modern Russia

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Corruption in Law

Details: Politics

Corruption in Law

Details: 21 March 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The fight against corruption has always been a popular topic among Russian politicians, and in recent years, different elite groups have used it as an instrument for settling scores. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya analyzes the methods of Russia’s new anticorruption campaign.

The Kremlin’s Party Games

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Party Games

Details: 17 March 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In February, Vladimir Putin signed a new law on elections to the State Duma. By once again changing the rules of the game, the Kremlin is attempting to control the new political reality. However, according to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, these tactics cannot guarantee everlasting electoral success.

Verdict for Prisoners of the Bolotnaya Case Is a Verdict for Russian Society

Details: Politics

Verdict for Prisoners of the Bolotnaya Case Is a Verdict for Russian Society

Details: 20 February 2014; Olga Khvostunova

Today, on February 21, Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky court will read the verdict for eight prisoners of the Bolotnaya Square Case. Hardly anyone doubts that the verdict in this politically motivated show trial will be guilty. The defendants are facing five to six years in a penal colony. The only question left at the moment is how cruel the sentence will actually be.

Special Prisons for the Extremely Dangerous

Details: Politics

Special Prisons for the Extremely Dangerous

Details: 19 February 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

A bill is being prepared by the State Duma under which people convicted for terrorism and extremism would be held in separate facilities from those housing other convicts. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this bill is yet another step that will bring Russia closer to a Soviet-style totalitarian state.

Attack Against Dozhd

Details: Politics

Attack Against Dozhd

The Kremlin's New Campaign Against the Media

Details: 14 February 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In late January, the Russian government launched a campaign against the independent TV channel Dozhd, known for its liberal position. The reason is a poll regarding the Nazi blockade of Leningrad during World War II served as a pretext for the government campaign. Seen by the government as a "spiritual bond" that unifies Russian society, the blockade is a very sensitive topic. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya discusses how far the Kremlin is prepared to go.

The Kremlin’s Interest in “Local Business”

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s Interest in “Local Business”

Details: 11 February 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The question of whether or not the Kremlin will abolish direct mayoral elections in major Russian cities is likely to be one of the major political intrigues of 2014. Although the Russian Constitution prohibits cancellation of direct mayoral elections, as does the European Charter of Local Self-Government, circles close to the Kremlin have already figured out how to circumvent these legislative obstacles. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya believes that the Kremlin has a strong incentive to succumb to the temptation of extending Russia’s “vertical of power”.

Putinism’s Contradictions: Vertical or Horizontal Power?

Details: Politics

Putinism’s Contradictions: Vertical or Horizontal Power?

Details: 31 January 2014; Donald N. Jensen

According to a recent study by Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky, Vladimir Putin is gradually losing control over the political system and is no longer considered an undisputed arbiter by different power groups. Donald Jensen, Resident Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discusses the report and draws his own conclusions.

“Destabilization of Government” as Terrorism: Legislative Echo of the Volgograd Bombings

Details: Politics

“Destabilization of Government” as Terrorism: Legislative Echo of the Volgograd Bombings

Details: 23 January 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

The Russian Duma is considering new “antiterrorist” legislation that would further tighten state control over Russian citizens. Among other things, “destabilization of government bodies” will be equated with “terrorist activity.” Author and analyst Alexander Podrabinek notes that the Kremlin has once again used terrorist attacks as a pretext to expand its own powers.

“Against All” and for the Kremlin?

Details: Politics

“Against All” and for the Kremlin?

Details: 21 January 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

Despite doubts that it would do so, the Kremlin agreed to restore the “against all” ballot option in elections for positions at all levels of government, except presidential elections. On January 17, the State Duma passed this bill on the first reading. The “against all” option, abolished by Vladimir Putin in 2006, is being revived in the context of the electoral system reform. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the Kremlin has been forced to adapt to the new rules of the game, which it can no longer fully control.

Russia 2014: Challenges of the New Year

Details: Politics

Russia 2014: Challenges of the New Year

Details: 15 January 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The year 2014 will be an intense one for Russia. In February, Sochi will host the Olympic Games. The G8 summit will also be held in Sochi in June. Ukraine, relations with which are far from settled, will remain the Kremlin’s foreign policy priority. But political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya suggests that it is domestic policy that will prove the most uncertain: Russian President Vladimir Putin will have to choose between a further “crackdown” and “controlled plurality.”

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