Tag Archives: khabarovsk

On cost-shifting, the Duma election and others

As a background for a forthcoming report, I am highlighting some stories from the past month that show how Russia’s domestic political machinery shifts financial and political costs during the war. As the country is facing an increasingly uncertain-looking summer, … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Policies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On the discontents of the municipal reform, arrest season in the regions, and others

How is the Kremlin’s recently adopted municipal reform playing out in the regions, especially given unexpected protests in the Krasnoyarsk Territory? Are the recent arrests of regional officials, among them several ministers and deputy ministers significant? When the Kremlin names … Continue reading →

Posted in Dispatches, Policies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On appointments of war participants, the Far East and others

In this dispatch, I would like to dive into two recent developments that highlight that even in today’s Russia, Putin has to operate with certain constraints, such as vested interests or the laws of economics.

Posted in Dispatches, Policies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On regional elections, Far Eastern development and others

Looking back on the past couple of weeks in Russian politics, I summarize what is worth watching as Russia prepares for another set of (likely heavily rigged) regional and local elections in September and what these regions may tell us … Continue reading →

Posted in Dispatches, Policies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The changing face of the crisis

The year 2023 will be bumpier for many Russian regions than the past year was. Warning signs are already visible: tighter money, distracted officials, more friction points. The September regional and local elections are not without risks, either.

Posted in Policies, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Built for a different purpose

As timelines shift in Russia’s war against Ukraine, costs and risks are reinterpreted by the authorities, but always with the regime’s perceived security interests in mind. The divergence between regime security and Russia’s interests will grow. Consider how budget cuts … Continue reading →

Posted in Policies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A mirror, a rehearsal, a vote

The 2021 Duma election started exactly a week ago and ended with a result that most people expected and feared: a renewed United Russia supermajority, propped up by fraud, intimidation and a toolbox of tricks. The election will no doubt … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment