Changing the Rules
Increasing international pressure and sanctions by the US and its allies have been used by Russia’s ruling elite as an excuse to intensify control over society at large. However, top-level decision-makers would also like to maintain tighter control over the national elite, and for that reason President Putin is relying on the general public in his policy to limit government officials’ international exposure.
A Communist party candidate won the mayoral election in Russia’s third largest city, Novosibirsk, which is often considered the capital of Siberia. However, what might be considered an opposition victory is more the result of intra-elite reshuffling and informal agreements regarding power distribution.
With the support of the Foreign Ministry, the Federal agency “Rossotrudnichestvo” won yet another battle in its campaign to take over international development policy from the Finance Ministry. Although this is taking more time than expected, this means Russia will gradually move to intensify its involvement in development policies, especially in the former Soviet Union, in order to increase its political influence in the region.
Russians are increasingly convinced that a powerful army and the ability to influence other countries are key attributes of a great power. Although a strong economy is still a top priority, its importance has been decreasing over time.
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