Memory Wars in Russia and Ukraine Memory Wars in Russia and Ukraine
The current fighting is about territory, but also about history.
Mar 1, 2022 / Vadim Nikitin
Violetta Grudina Brings Political Dissidence to Murmansk Violetta Grudina Brings Political Dissidence to Murmansk
An ally of Alexey Navalny running for local office in northern Russia faces naked repression in an increasingly hostile political climate.
Aug 6, 2021 / Vadim Nikitin
As Alexey Navalny’s Health Deteriorates, the Movement’s Momentum Flags As Alexey Navalny’s Health Deteriorates, the Movement’s Momentum Flags
But across Russia, another kind of power is building.
Apr 26, 2021 / Vadim Nikitin
Alexei Navalny Grows More Powerful Every Time Putin Talks About Him Alexei Navalny Grows More Powerful Every Time Putin Talks About Him
One day we may look back on January 2021 as the beginning of the end of Putin’s reign.
Jan 28, 2021 / Vadim Nikitin
As Alexei Navalny’s Life Hangs in the Balance, So Does the Fate of the Russian Opposition As Alexei Navalny’s Life Hangs in the Balance, So Does the Fate of the Russian Opposition
The Russian opposition leader’s unique gift for uniting disparate people, ideas, and movements undoubtedly helped make him a target.
Sep 2, 2020 / Vadim Nikitin
What Belarus Stands to Lose What Belarus Stands to Lose
Fixing the country’s broken democratic process can’t come at the cost of the inequality and corruption other former Soviet republics are now facing.
Aug 20, 2020 / Vadim Nikitin
We Need to Stop Using Russia as a Political Football We Need to Stop Using Russia as a Political Football
From Nixon to Trump, there have always been long-term risks in exploiting foreign policy for domestic political gain.
Aug 2, 2017 / Vadim Nikitin
Back in the USSR Back in the USSR
Ever since 1991, Russians have been looking to the Soviet past for comfort and pride.
Dec 22, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Vadim Nikitin
The Rebirth of Russian Civil Society The Rebirth of Russian Civil Society
A new generation of web-savvy civic activists are steadily builiding a participatory, nonideological and conspicuously patriotic movement against official corruption.
Jul 18, 2011 / Vadim Nikitin
The New Civic Activism in Russia The New Civic Activism in Russia
Indifference and suspicion might be as much to blame as authoritarianism for Russia's lack of democracy. That's why an uptick in local-level civic engagement is welcome news.
Oct 20, 2010 / Feature / Vadim Nikitin