Carnegie Moscow Center
Vladimir Putin faces the question of whether to crack down on the still-evolving protest movement or to make concessions to a group who may never trust him.
While fraud was less prevalent in the March 4 Russian presidential election, abuses still occurred.
The recent parliamentary elections in Russia offer evidence of the corruption afflicting the country’s political system, as officials manipulated the system to guarantee that the ruling United Russia party would remain in power.
While Putin may have a guaranteed victory in the upcoming presidential election, it is increasingly clear that Russia’s once-passive electorate is willing to show its discontent, making it potentially more difficult to promote necessary economic reforms.
The recent parliamentary elections saw the ruling United Russia party fare worse than expected, as Russian citizens expressed their frustration with perceived lawlessness and corruption in the country’s political system.
Bolstered by the high price of oil, Moscow is likely to take the opportunity to contribute to Europe’s rescue fund in return for more influence on the International Monetary Fund.
A recent law expanding the power of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s secret service, has provoked concern among human rights organizations and political activists.
The Moscow City government's plans to put up billboards honoring Joseph Stalin for the 65th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany are a clear act of political rebellion against the Kremlin.
In 1990, when the Russian economy was falling apart and Russia was suffering from acute food shortages, the first McDonald's opened in Moscow, offering a new experience of food service.
In his annual address, President Medvedev delivered a critical and shrewd assessment of Russia's state of affairs, but it remains to be seen whether fear of yielding political control will prevent the Kremlin from acting on Medvedev’s bold words.