Discredited Book ‘Putin’s People’ Exposes Everything
Wrong with Western Reporting on Moscow

August 2, 2021
Natylie’s Place: Understanding Russia
By Natylie Baldwin

Having pored over former Financial Times reporter Catherine Belton’s book, ‘Putin’s People’, it’s hard to be surprised it is now causing her legal problems. More surprising is that it was published like this in the first place.

Despite being picked up by a major American publishing house, the Rupert Murdoch-owned HarperCollins, Belton displayed a profound lack of journalistic judgement in how she conducted the research behind her explosive claims. And that’s coming back to bite her.

In one lawsuit brought by Mikhail Fridman and Pyotr Aven, the Russian founders of one of Moscow’s largest financial institutions, Alfa Bank, a settlement was reached last week. HarperCollins agreed to amend and edit parts of the book asserting that the pair of businessmen essentially had sponsorship from the KGB when they embarked on their entrepreneurial careers. According to the agreement, the publishers admitted the claims made in the book were unsubstantiated.

[Continue Reading]

The Status Of Crimea Is Far More Complicated Than Western Media Admits 

Eurasia Review
August 1, 2021
By James W. Carden

“If there were a moral to be drawn from the Crimean War which might apply to the present it would be this: in a war between Russia and the West, it is the powers which keep out who will be the the real gainers…” AJP Taylor, February 1951

The issue of Crimea has been back in the news of late, but if Professor Taylor’s insight is anything to go by, perhaps it never really went away.

Last month, the British naval carrier, HMS Defender, was fired upon by Russian forces patrolling the Black Sea. The Defender was there (with, perhaps not coincidentally, a contingent from the BBC) for the ostensible purpose of supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Shortly thereafter, NATO held a large naval exercise in the Black Sea which was then shortly followed by a joint military exercise between the US, Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania in Western Ukraine.

Given all this activity, now might be a good time to revisit some history that is at risk of being lost and which might help lend a different perspective as to what has been unfolding in the region since the fall of communism some thirty years ago.

It is not defending Russia’s actions in 2014 to acknowledge that Putin’s motives in annexing Crimea are not hard to discern.

[Continue Reading]

Despite Western Assertions, Russia Is Not on the Decline…

July 30, 2021
Natylie’s Place: Understanding Russia
By Natylie Baldwin

We’ve all heard the statement that Russia is a declining power. It is repeated so often by western pundits that it has become a truism.

The incoming leader of Britain’s MI6, Richard Moore, said so a few months ago. Even analysts who are considered more thoughtful, such as John Mearsheimer, have made a similar declaration. But is this statement really true? If not, why do we keep hearing it?

Basic Facts About Russia

To answer the first question, let’s look at some basic facts about Russia relevant to its position in the world. Russia is the largest country in the world geographically, straddles two continents, and possesses a nuclear arsenal as large and modern as that of the United States – if not more so. In terms of its non-nuclear military capacity, only the United States is considered stronger.

Regarding its economy, Russia’s GDP is eleventh in the world, behind Italy and Canada. However, Russian total purchasing power parity comes in at sixth in the world.

Russia possesses a wealth of natural resources including minerals, metals, precious stones, and wood. The country has also been the world’s first or second largest exporter of wheat for several years. It contains an educated population and consistently places highly in computer technology competitions.

[Continue Reading]

Dear CCI friends,

Chris Weafer, noted financial specialist living/working in Moscow sends this report below to address the long-rumored catastrophes that hit Russia in the month of August! Since many are hypersensitive about this particular “August” phenomenon, it’s good to address it sanely before entering the month. Chris also gives other information that fills in the picture of where Russia is today.

We wish you a productive and successful August ahead.

Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives

[Continue Reading]

Dear CCI Friends,

Nicolai Petro is among the most knowledgable academics writing about Ukraine, where he has lived, off and on, for the past ten years. Nicolai is not given to taking the side of Russia, the U.S. or Ukraine, but believes intensely that a lasting peace will require a deep and persistent dialogue among all three countries.

Read and take in Nicolai’s points of view, ask your colleagues and friends what they think about this seemingly intractable situation. If anyone comes up with a great idea, share it with us!

Sharon Tennison
Center for Citizen Initiatives

[Continue Reading]