World - Institute of Modern Russia

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Romney and the Kremlin: Russian Themes at the 2012 Republican National Convention

Details: World

Romney and the Kremlin: Russian Themes at the 2012 Republican National Convention

Details: 04 September 2012

Although the economy has without question emerged as a central theme of the 2012 U.S. presidential campaign, foreign policy – particularly policy towards Russia – was a prominent subject at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke about Russia in his acceptance speech, the GOP Platform features a section devoted to Russia, and an expert conference during the Convention explored the future of U.S.-Russia relations under a Republican administration.

The Home Stretch: the Magnitsky Act in Congress

Details: World

The Home Stretch: the Magnitsky Act in Congress

Details: 27 July 2012; Vladimir Kara-Murza

On July 26, 2012 the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee approved the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which had been passed in 1974. Last month, key Congressional comittees had unanimously passed the Magnistky Act, a law imposing severe sanctions on those who have violated human rights in Russia and elsewhere. Vladimir V. Kara-Murza, a leading Russian journalist, activist, and, until recently, the RTVi Washington Bureau Chief, reports on the repeal of the historic amendment and the passage of the Magnitsky Act. As he explained to IMR, Kara-Murza was forced out of his position at RTVi because of his participation in the preparation and advocacy for the expansion of the Magnitsky Act.

Spies at the Museum

Details: World

Spies at the Museum

Details: 02 July 2012

On June 27th, 2012 the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. held a lecture entitled "The Russian Illegals Two Years Later: What Did It Mean?" Renowned intelligence historian and technical advisor to the U.S. Secret Service H. Keith Melton told the story of the Russian spies that rocked U.S.-Russia relations in July 2010. Guest of honor retired KGB Major General Oleg Kalugin decried the spies as absurd and said the Russian government was wasting its money.

The Kremlin’s Vanity Fair

Details: World

The Kremlin’s Vanity Fair

Details: 13 June 2012

The largest annual book trade fair in the United States, BookExpo America (BEA), was held in New York City June 4-7, 2012. For the first time in BookExpo’s history, Russia was named the guest of honor. Through the efforts of the Kremlin, over fifty of Russia's most renowned writers and numerous publishers were brought together in an unprecedentedly extensive program. However, questions remain regarding the showcase's intentions.

Conference on Russian and U.S. Media Asks Is the Cold War Over?

Details: World

Conference on Russian and U.S. Media Asks Is the Cold War Over?

Details: 27 March 2012

Journalists and political experts from Russia and America recently gathered at the Harriman Institute in order to discuss how each country portrays the other in their respective media. Surprisingly, according to many of the speakers, little has changed since the end of the Cold War.

Trade or Human Rights?: Debating Priorities in US-Russia Relations

Details: World

Trade or Human Rights?: Debating Priorities in US-Russia Relations

Details: 23 March 2012

On March 21st, the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs held its first hearings on Russia after the presidential elections. Despite official recognition of the election results, the return of Vladimir Putin to the presidency caused debate on Capitol Hill. Some congressmen believed that the United States should work toward optimizing trade relations, while region experts urged the government to continue fighting against human rights violations.

Signs of Progress on the "Magnitsky Act"

Details: World

Signs of Progress on the "Magnitsky Act"

Details: 16 December 2011

On December 14, U.S. Congress held an open hearing on the state of human rights and the rule of law in Russia. Invited experts supported the country’s recent protests, and State Department officials indicated the possibility of a dialogue with Congress on the “Magnitsky Act.”

Not a Hint of Democracy in Russia

Details: World

Not a Hint of Democracy in Russia

Details: 06 November 2011

On November 3, the Heritage Foundation held a panel discussion in Washington, DC on the upcoming Russian parliamentary and presidential elections, the Russian political climate overall, and the future of Russian-American relations.

Washington Debates the Price of Reset

Details: World

Washington Debates the Price of Reset

Details: 02 November 2011

Speaking at a conference hosted last week by The Heritage Foundation, Russian opposition leader and chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov delivered a withering critique of the Obama administration’s policies toward Russia. Seduced by the illusion of liberal reform during the presidency of Dmitry Medvedev, Kasparov said, Washington placed its bets on an impossible scenario, as Vladimir Putin never actually left the seat of power. James Kimer reports from Washington, DC.

Michael McFaul Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia

Details: World

Michael McFaul Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Russia

Details: 14 October 2011

On October 12, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held the confirmation hearing for Michael McFaul, selected by President Obama for the position of U.S. ambassador to Russia. According to McFaul, his move to Moscow would not affect the “reset” policy.

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