Carnegie Moscow Center
Even as the Kremlin moves from soft authoritarianism to a much harsher form, a new Russia is emerging, one presented by civil society and its drive for dignity and freedom.
The current three filter system for gubernatorial elections not only aggravates the opposition and fails to vent mounting social pressure, but it also strengthens the position of incumbent governors.
The outrage over the mismanagement of the flood in Krymsk will contribute to the waning of Vladimir Putin’s popularity, but this process is slow-going.
Part of Russia's support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria stems from Putin's desire to use Russian foreign policy as an instrument for preserving his own power and trying to block the United States.
Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization remains a controversial issue in the country. It will not necessarily bring an end to trade disputes with the EU, but is likely to advance the establishment of a free trade zone and the signing of a new cooperation agreement.
A new bill introduced to change the way the Federation Council is formed ostensibly allows voters to express their will but actually shields those in power from accountability to the electorate.
The idea of authoritarian modernization, or state capitalism, has become fashionable in the wake of the global financial crisis, but the examples of China and Russia demonstrate that it is ultimately a self-serving illusion.
A political transition, rather than regime change, may be the only chance for international cooperation on Syria.
By censoring the media, discrediting moderate opposition, and provoking popular discontent, Putin is only widening the fissures threatening the whole Russian political system.
The recent meeting between Putin and Obama has resulted in an increase in Putin’s self-confidence, his attempt to pressure the United States, and Obama’s aspiration not to aggravate relations with the Kremlin.