How a U.S. Think Tank Fell for Putin
James Kirchick, The Daily Beast
The Carnegie Moscow Center, long celebrated as a reliable, independent source of analysis on Russia, has been accused of leaning more toward the Kremlin lately. Is there a reason it has not been labeled an “undesirable organization” as many other Western NGOs have?
Putin Hurts a Think Tank by Not Banning It
Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg View
Bershidsky responds to journalist James Kirchick’s article about the Carnegie Moscow Center by suggesting that such articles only aid the Kremlin’s campaign to discredit everyone with ties to the West.
Muslims in Moscow Work to Break a Stereotype
Natalia V. Osipova, The New York Times (video)
With Russia’s attention focused on Ukraine, Muslims are taking the opportunity to redefine their relationship with society. A fashion designer, a public relations advisor, and a composer talk about their goals and discuss the hurdles they face in trying to create a more positive image of Islam in Russia.
Helping Russia’s Sidelined and Exiled Journalists Tell Their Stories
Anne Applebaum, The Washington Post
When Western companies such as Hubert Burda Media comply with the demands of Russia’s authoritarian regime, they are just as complicit in silencing honest Russian journalists as the Kremlin. What can the West do to help these journalists regain their voices?
Independent Media Battle On in Putin’s Russia
Timothy Heritage, Reuters
Running an independent media outlet in Russia can be a bit like playing Russian roulette. There are no overt directives about what to write, but no one ever knows when their latest article will be their last. The editors of various Russian independent media outlets share with Reuters the nuances of surviving in today’s highly charged environment.
Sergei Pugachev: ‘I Personally Brought Putin to Power’
Catherine Belton, Financial Times
Exiled Russian oligarch Sergei Pugachev claims responsibility for recommending Vladimir Putin as the successor to Boris Yeltsin, a decision he now regrets after becoming a target of Putin’s regime.
Compiled by Alexandra Moon, Cyrus Newlin, and Molly Zuckerman
