Politics
A close look at the inner workings of authoritarian power in Russia and beyond, and the forces that could one day transform it: how the Kremlin holds and wields power, why the democratic opposition endures, and what a genuine political renewal would take
Russia’s growing political repressions
Over the last several months, harassment of Russia’s political opposition has intensified, with legislative elections as a clear cause. Many people have erroneously believed that once the elections were over, the repressions would ease, if not entirely disappear.
The New People: A Hollow Multiparty Façade
The New People party has entered Russia’s State Duma, evoking many questions from outside observers, the first of which is very basic—does the sudden emergence and successful showing of New People demonstrate that it is possible to create new political parties for successful participation in elections?
Non-recognition of the results of Russia’s legislative elections is the last remaining lever over Putin
The results of Russia’s September legislative elections are not only important in and of themselves, they provide a preview of how Vladimir Putin intends to govern and secure his own victory in the 2024 presidential elections
The West Must Refuse to Recognize the Russian Duma Elections
Despite the Kremlin’s claim of victory, Putin’s regime is in a weak position in the run-up to the to the 2024 presidential elections
Can the EU ‘clean house’ of the Kremlin’s malign influence?
On September 16, 2021, the European Parliament (EP) issued recommendations for EU institutions on managing relations with Russia. The document backed by 70% of MEPs calls on the…
Russian State Duma election campaign analysis: The final countdown
Just a few days remain before the Russian State Duma elections
Nord Stream 2—Entrenching Putin’s Economic and Political Corruption
Nord Stream 2—Entrenching Putin’s Economic and Political Corruption The traumatic exit of the US military from Kabul has removed covers from an elephant in the room…
Putin is Buying Up Votes
With less than a month left before Russia’s State Duma elections, President Vladimir Putin has begun campaigning for his United Russia party, offering both political and material support
General overview of the situation in 15 Moscow electoral districts ahead of the elections to the State Duma
e 2021 elections to the State Duma will be held according to a mixed system. 225 deputies will be elected from party lists, and 225 will be elected in the districts
Political Repressions in Russia in 2021
2021 saw widespread political repressions across Russia