Has Modern Russia Become as Repressive as Stalinism?

Has Modern Russia Become as Repressive as Stalinism?

Author: The Moscow Times March 1, 2024 Duration: 30:49
About 116,000 people have been subjected to direct political repression in Russia over the past six years, according to a recent study by the investigative outlet Proekt — the highest number since under Stalin's rule. For this episode, we analyzed the study’s results with Sergei Davidis, head of the Political Prisoners Support Program and a member of the board at the Memorial human rights group. Pavel Butorin, the director of the Current Time media outlet, then joins us to discuss the case of his wife, journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was jailed last year on charges seen as politically motivated.

Produced by the seasoned journalists of The Moscow Times, Russia on the Record offers a vital and nuanced perspective from the ground. As the oldest independent English-language news outlet dedicated to the region, our team provides context that goes far beyond the headlines. This isn't about quick takes or recycled analysis; it's about deep, thoughtful conversation. Every episode features candid discussions with a range of voices-from leading policy experts and academics to everyday citizens navigating life's complexities. We delve into the political, social, and cultural forces actively shaping the nation, aiming to untangle the how and why behind current events. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to reflective journalism that prioritizes explanation over simple narration, building a clearer understanding of a country constantly in flux. The conversations are direct, the insights are substantive, and the goal is to put the evolving story of modern Russia into sharper focus, one detailed conversation at a time. We record these discussions to provide a lasting resource for anyone seeking a more informed, independent take on a part of the world that demands careful attention.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 36

Russia on the Record
Podcast Episodes
How War in Israel and Gaza Impacts Russia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
The latest hostilities in the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict have dominated news headlines and overshadowed the war in Ukraine. In Russia, the conflict is also at the center of attention. State propaganda has cri…
Western Journalists Expelled from Russia Reflect on Departure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, a small fraction of independent foreign journalists in Russia have stayed there to continue reporting on what is happening on the ground. Faced with both administrative difficulties…
Russia’s Wartime Economy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:30
Over the past year, Russia has managed to withstand unprecedented Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. Part of this success has been the war itself — increased military spending has helped boost the economy, a…
Russia’s Regional Elections Kick Off Putin’s Re-Election Campaign [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:00
Russia on the Record is a new podcast from The Moscow Times where we reflect, analyze and explain what’s going on in Russia right now. In this week’s episode, we discuss Russia’s regional and local elections — and how th…