Gennady Zyuganov was once seen as the greatest threat to Russia’s fledgling democracy. The fact he’s still around is more a testament to the Communist Party’s inertia than to any leadership traits such as intelligence, eloquence or charisma.
Elections
Putin’s Willing Helpers: The Buffoon
I distinctly remember when Vladimir Zhirinovsky appeared in my parents’ living room 20 years ago. There was nothing soft and cuddly about this liberal democrat.
Putin’s Willing Helpers: The Geologist
Nobody knows why Sergei Mironov wants to be Russia’s next president. It seems he himself isn’t quite sure.
The Disposable President
Poor Dmitry Medvedev. As if being the world’s first voluntary lame-duck president wasn’t bad enough, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has indicated he will rescind the only Medvedev reform that had any effect on the lives of ordinary Russians.
A Hot Winter’s Day in Moscow
Biting cold and visible cracks in the motley protest movement dampened expectations. But the massive turnout gave the demonstrators new momentum in the run-up to the presidential election.
Putin vs. Putin
Vladimir Putin is campaigning in a large part against himself – with all the contradictions and pitfalls that entails.
Putin’s Loneliness
If Vladimir Putin has one central message, it could be boiled down to one sentence: “I saved Russia, but I’m not quite finished yet.”
The Putin Paradox
The Putin Paradox holds that the former KGB agent is the best leader Russia could hope for in the transition from communism to democracy.
A Russian Fairy Tale for Christmas
This Christmas, Russians stopped fearing their government. In a collective suspension of disbelief, ordinary citizens watched cultural figures, civic activists and even a former finance minister attack the political edifice that Vladimir Putin spent 12 years building.
Mr. Putin, Tear Down This Wall of Apathy!
Cynicism is what Russians expect from their leaders; apathy is all that politicians want in return.
