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Business as Usual at the Kremlin
Only a few hours after being inaugurated as Russia's president, Dmitri Medvedev nominated Vladimir Putin to be prime minister. News reports suggest that the number of deputy prime ministers will be increased, a move that would surely strengthen Putin's already powerful hand. In a new Russian Outlook, Leon Aron argues that the ideology, priorities, and policies of the Putin Kremlin "are almost certain to inform and guide the Medvedev administration." His chilling and detailed portrait describes the distinctive elements of "Russia, Inc." The new authoritarianism and a sultanistic corporatism have created a situation in which, in the words of one critic, those "who rule Russia today, own Russia." Medvedev faces serious problems at home. He assumes the presidency at a time of sharp population decline due to exceedingly poor public health and low birthrates, says Nicholas Eberstadt--developments that will "straitjacket Russian productivity and development."
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The American
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 The current issue of The American features a special report on health care, as well as articles about the relationship between wealth and happiness, the value of youth sports, and the rise of sovereign wealth funds. These stories -- along with new, original articles every day -- can be found at www.american.com. |
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