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
Monitoring the Pre-Election Situation in Russia: Fourth issue
Not much has changed in party approval ratings, though it is noteworthy that VTsIOM has recoded the approval for Putin’s United Russia at its lowest point in years, at 27.2%
The Kremlin’s Malign Influence Inside the US
The United States and its allies face a serious, persistent, and long-term threat from the current Kremlin, which wants to undermine trust in and the functioning of democratic institutions and establish networks of malign influence to advance Moscow’s strategic goals
Monitoring the pre-election situation in Russia: Third Issue
This update should have been released three days earlier and dedicated to the final outcome of the electoral candidate registration. However, that process is still underway—the list of candidates from Putin’s United Russia party has yet to be registered, as is the case with the New People party list
Monitoring the pre-election situation in Russia: Second issue
Approval for Putin’s party—United Russia—is estimated to be near its lowest levels in months
Amendments to the law on “undesirable organizations”. Highlights
On July 12, 2021, yet another amendment to the legislation on Undesirable NGOs entered into force in Russia. The changes mean that now anyone who works with an “undesirable” organization can be subject to administrative penalties
The best way to deal with Putin’s Ukraine article—ignore it
Putin’s article on “The Historical Union of Russians and Ukrainians” should not be interpreted as an attempt at stoking controversy with the Ukrainian elite, or even as a comprehensive article about Russian policy in general
Putin’s Article is a Warning to Ukraine
The 12-page article was released in Ukrainian, English and Russian and addresses the historical roots of the East European Slavs, namely Ukrainians, and Russians
The West Should Announce Non-Recognition of Duma Elections Now
Refusing to recognize the State Duma elections and their results as an effective means of pressuring the Putin regime
Monitoring of the Pre-Election Situation in Russia: First Issue
The First (Pilot) Edition, July 7, 2021
Assault on Georgia’s Pride. Western democracy Faces off with Russia’s countryside
It was shocking for Western friends of Georgia, and supporters of Georgia’s bid for membership at NATO and the EU, to learn that an angry mob in Tbilisi stormed LGBTQ activists’ centers, attacking journalists and tourists. Yet, as we saw on July 5, 2021, this is precisely the reality on the ground in the Georgian capital.