Misha 2% Speaks to the LA Times

Mikhail Kasyanov, or Misha 2% as he’s known in Russia, was interviewed in today’s LA Times.  Kasyanov proves why that 2% moniker continues to stick.  Like much of Russia’s self-described opposition, he has nothing to say that concerns Russians’ daily lives.  Instead, he counterposes Russia with the “civilized world;” suggests Russia is a “totalitarian state,” […]

Russian “Ultra-Nationalism” on the Rise

Russian nationalism is gaining in political influence argues the Financial Times.  Russia’s so-called “ultra-nationalists” (and I do wonder what the difference is between nationalism and its “ultra-” variety) have been steadily climbing in political influence, particularly among Russia’s elite.  Their big political bump has come with Russia success in Georgia which proved to them that […]