Crisis in Russia: Facts and Figures, People and Data

Summary:

Russia is going through a time of what historically was known as 'smuta'—turbulence, unrest, volatility and uncertainty. The recent developments in Russia have their intrinsic logic, however—the logic of power struggle. On one side of the front line there are forces for reform and the opening up of Russia; on the other side are the opponents of such a policy. The political crisis which we are witnessing—after the dissolution of the Russian Parliament on 21 September and the use of the Army by the President against his opponents on 3-4 October—is not merely a conflict between legislature and executive, as it is so often presented in the press. It is a conflict between those in favour of Russia setting out on the road towards normalcy and those who want her to take the road back.

This Fact Sheet provides up-to-date information on the development of the present crisis, the new political institutions and organizations and the people who represent them. It throws into relief the significance and role of the Army in the process of change which is taking place. Finally, it gives systematic data on the role of Russia in the conflicts within the Baltic states, Ukraine, Moldova, the Caucasus and Tajikistan and shows the implications for international security.

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