The Russia Program

The Use of Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine: Russian Public Opinion Shifts Russians are now significantly less likely to believe that the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine could be justified. Currently, only 24% of respondents say it could be justified — a notable decline from 39% one…

🚀 New Research Paper : The Rise of Soviet Asian and African Studies in the Era of Decolonization 🔗 therussiaprogram.org/onlinepaper_17 Just published by The Russia Program at GW. Our new research dives into the emergence and evolution of Soviet-era academic engagement with Asia and…

💼🇷🇺 "Doing business in 1990s Russia? You didn’t just need a lawyer—you needed a bodyguard." therussiaprogram.org/satinsky_archi… After the Soviet collapse, Western businessmen rushed into Russia chasing gold-rush opportunities. What they found was a jungle of mafia clans, bribes, and…

🚨 Sharp Rise in Politicized Prosecutions in Russia New data from our research reveals a chilling trend: Russia is dramatically expanding its use of criminal law to suppress dissent. therussiaprogram.org/politicized_law 🔺 "Inciting terrorism or justification of such" (Art. 205.2) cases…

🚨New research paper. How law in Russia has evolved into a tool of authoritarian governance? Russian law enforcement has become a tool of statecraft—not just crime-fighting. From branding NGOs as “foreign agents” and “undesirable” to silencing independent media, religion, and…

Moscow pauses negotiating, pushing harsher rhetoric—Putin anchoring all of Ukraine as “ours.” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s frontline is stabilizing. Read the analysis of the situation on the frontlines: russiapost.info/politics/battl…

🗳 Levada Center Survey: Russians on the Iran-Israel Conflict. A new poll conducted in June 2025 shows how Russians view the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel: 🔹 61% of respondents said they support neither side. 🔸 29% expressed sympathy for Iran. 🔷 Only 3% sided with…

Russians are increasingly viewing Donald Trump in a positive light — a sharp shift from the end of his first term, when over a third saw him negatively. Source: FOM poll

The “Dark Enlightenment” is gaining traction—anti-democracy, pro-tech monarchy. Its ideas echo in Russia’s authoritarian drift: hierarchy over equality, control over freedom. Silicon Valley meets Kremlin logic. Read the analysis by Marlene Laruelle russiapost.info/politics/dark_…

Life satisfaction in Russia hits a new record: 🔹 89% of Russians say they’re satisfied with their lives 🔻 Only 10% are dissatisfied Satisfaction has steadily grown — from 59% in Feb 2000 to 89% in April 2024 Source: Levada-Center

📢 Calling displaced scholars! Join STEP U.S. practical workshop on applying for academic grants 🎓💡 🗓️ Learn how to find the right opportunities 🛠️ Get tips to craft competitive proposals 📚 Perfect for early- & mid-career scholars 🔗 Register now: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

📊 Do Russians support unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine? According to a May 2025 Levada poll: 🔴 73% of Russians believe the conflict in Ukraine should end only after addressing its root causes 🔵 18% support a ceasefire first, then resolving other issues 🕊️ 87% support peace…

Over 25 Years, Russians’ Perception of Their Country’s Global Standing Has Dramatically Shifted 🔹 In 2000, more than half of Russians believed their country ranked in the "lower half" of global development. — 18% considered Russia one of the world’s most underdeveloped…

Russia under Putin isn’t just a case study—it’s a blueprint. As Marlene Laruelle explains, illiberalism often co-opts liberal institutions—courts, elections, media—to legitimize authoritarian consolidation. Read her analysis here: politicsrights.com/why-illiberali…

🎧 Listen to a fascinating episode of a podcast from New Books Network featuring Marlene Laruelle’s new book, Ideology and Meaning-Making under the Putin Regime. Dr. Laruelle argues that Putinism isn’t just propaganda or power politics — it’s a coherent, evolving ideology rooted…

Russia’s latest wave of repression isn’t about tackling real threats — it’s about instilling fear. The punishment of even minor dissent sets a chilling precedent. “Even the slightest expression of doubt is treated as subversive.” Read the analysis: russiapost.info/politics/wave_…

Some Westerners are moving to Russia—not despite its politics, but because of them. Drawn by traditional values and disillusioned with liberal Western norms, they’re finding common ground with Putin’s Russia. Who are they? Discover in our new piece: russiapost.info/digest/western…

Is a new Russian invasion brewing? Massive troop buildup near Ukraine’s northeastern border could signal the start of a large-scale offensive. What’s Putin’s next move? Read the analysis: russiapost.info/politics/large…

Russia's economy is at a crossroads. High interest rates and war-driven spending have cooled consumer demand and squeezed nonmilitary industries. Pressure mounts on Putin to choose: ease off the war or embrace full economic mobilization Read the analysis russiapost.info/economy/econom…

Will Foreign Businesses Return to Russia? Despite sanctions, Western firms see opportunity in Russia again. Strategic sectors, shifting politics, and a Kremlin eager for investment. Read the analysis: russiapost.info/politics/busin…