Once again, I've enjoyed following your blog. Your position has been, I'd suggest, that Russia is moving in its own way, at its own pace towards a freer and more open democracy. Your articles support this - legislation to combat corruption, the anniversary of the abolition of serfdom (which I enjoyed reading), as well as the KGB discussing secret operations in Estonia, etc. Hence, you've began to develop a narrative. The history has helped, I think, to place more of what you discuss into perspective. Novosti (RT.com) has also been a boon.
I would have like to see a little more objectivity in some of your articles (i.e., the Ukrainian famine), rather than simply being pro Russia on all fronts (but I understand too that you're trying to make an argument). A number of countries have gone through similar reconciliation processes: South Africa, following aparthied, Rwanda, after the genocide, etc. The Ukrainian famine is one of history great - if untold - tragedies; a little more history would have also helped to place the reforms in context; and a little more work on the design front (the video bar is good, but more links to key feeds and web links dealing with Russia, its history, etc.) would have spiced up the look of the blog. But on balance you produced a blog that's become increasingly interesting to follow.
Well done!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Russian Serfdom
Serfdom was not the original status of the Russian peasant. It was one of the consequences of the Tartar devastation during the 13th century when peasants became homeless and settled on the land of wealthy Russians.
By the end of the 16th century the Russian peasant came under the complete control of the landowner and during the middle of the 17th century serfdom became hereditary. Their situation became comparable to that of slaves and they could be sold to another landowner in families or singly.
By the 19th century it was estimated that about 50 per cent of the 40,000,000 Russian peasants were serfs. Most of these were the property of the nobility but large numbers were owned by the Tsar and religious foundations.
The Crimean War made Alexander II realize that Russia was no longer a great military power. His advisers argued that Russia's serf-based economy could no longer compete with industrialized nations such as Britain and France.
Alexander now began to consider the possibility of bringing an end to serfdom in Russia. The nobility objected to this move but as Alexander told a group of Moscow nobles: "It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for the time when it will begin to abolish itself from below.
In 1861 Alexander issued his Emancipation Manifesto that proposed 17 legislative acts that would free the serfs in Russia. Alexander announced that personal serfdom would be abolished and all peasants would be able to buy land from their landlords. The State would advance the the money to the landlords and would recover it from the peasants in 49 annual sums known as redemption payments.
Serfdom was common all throughout Eastern Europe during this time period but Russia was the last country to abolish serfdom.
By the end of the 16th century the Russian peasant came under the complete control of the landowner and during the middle of the 17th century serfdom became hereditary. Their situation became comparable to that of slaves and they could be sold to another landowner in families or singly.
By the 19th century it was estimated that about 50 per cent of the 40,000,000 Russian peasants were serfs. Most of these were the property of the nobility but large numbers were owned by the Tsar and religious foundations.
The Crimean War made Alexander II realize that Russia was no longer a great military power. His advisers argued that Russia's serf-based economy could no longer compete with industrialized nations such as Britain and France.
Alexander now began to consider the possibility of bringing an end to serfdom in Russia. The nobility objected to this move but as Alexander told a group of Moscow nobles: "It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for the time when it will begin to abolish itself from below.
In 1861 Alexander issued his Emancipation Manifesto that proposed 17 legislative acts that would free the serfs in Russia. Alexander announced that personal serfdom would be abolished and all peasants would be able to buy land from their landlords. The State would advance the the money to the landlords and would recover it from the peasants in 49 annual sums known as redemption payments.
Serfdom was common all throughout Eastern Europe during this time period but Russia was the last country to abolish serfdom.
“You cannot postpone freedom until later and you should not be afraid that a free man will make inadequate use of his freedom,”
http://rt.com/politics/medvedev-marks-abolition-serfdom/
Although Medvedev is trying to move the country forward, he believes that freedom for the people is what will move Russia forward and not 'tightening screws' as the Western powers would like to see Russia do.
He does allude to the fact the great Russian reformers in the past did a good job in starting the healing process. He was unclear as to whom exactly the past reformers were. The symposium marked the 150 years since the abolishment of serfdom.
Although Medvedev is trying to move the country forward, he believes that freedom for the people is what will move Russia forward and not 'tightening screws' as the Western powers would like to see Russia do.
He does allude to the fact the great Russian reformers in the past did a good job in starting the healing process. He was unclear as to whom exactly the past reformers were. The symposium marked the 150 years since the abolishment of serfdom.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The KBG 'A State within a State'
Established by Nikita Khurshchev in 1954, the KBG was the national security agency of the Soviet Union. They served as the Soviet Union's internal security, intelligence and secret police organization. They were established to protect the Bolshevik revolution and Stalin. In its time, the KBG was the worlds most effective intelligence agency as it operated both legal and illegal espionage in the target countries.
The KGB classified its people as either agents (intelligence providers) or controllers (intelligence relayers). They had to take on a false identity of either a live or dead 'double' to protect their identity. To make sure they were never discovered, they would first be moved to a foreign country and then immigrate to their target country. Their job would include: stealing and or photographing documents, code names, contacts, targets, dead letter boxes, influence policy and arrange kidnaps and assassinations.
Did you know that Vladimir Putin, the former Russian President, was once an officer of the KBG. Here is an article from the Washington Post in 2000 explaining more.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm
There was one time in the USSR when all young men thought it honourable to be asked to join the KBG. The KBG gave these men a name in society and some way to serve their country.
From an American point of view, Russia has yet to get fully rid itself of communism. According to journalist David Satter, Russia must do three things to fully rid themselves of a communist legacy:
1. A juridical condemnation of communism
2. An apology from the government to the victims of communism
3. Making a public a list of KBG informers
The third point is unrealistic because many high class officials such as the Pope of the Russian Orthodox Church were allegedly part of the KBG. As well, the Russian people just don't seem to care. They elected Putin fully knowing that he was once a member of the KBG....this only adds to the fact the the Russians want to move forward, not dwell in the past.
I believe that Russia can move forward without taking the 'American point of view'. They have thus far and generally, the Russian people don't like to hold grudges. There mentality is about moving on and if they had made a mistake in the past to learn from it, and not repeat it again.
The KGB classified its people as either agents (intelligence providers) or controllers (intelligence relayers). They had to take on a false identity of either a live or dead 'double' to protect their identity. To make sure they were never discovered, they would first be moved to a foreign country and then immigrate to their target country. Their job would include: stealing and or photographing documents, code names, contacts, targets, dead letter boxes, influence policy and arrange kidnaps and assassinations.
Did you know that Vladimir Putin, the former Russian President, was once an officer of the KBG. Here is an article from the Washington Post in 2000 explaining more.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/russiagov/putin.htm
There was one time in the USSR when all young men thought it honourable to be asked to join the KBG. The KBG gave these men a name in society and some way to serve their country.
From an American point of view, Russia has yet to get fully rid itself of communism. According to journalist David Satter, Russia must do three things to fully rid themselves of a communist legacy:
1. A juridical condemnation of communism
2. An apology from the government to the victims of communism
3. Making a public a list of KBG informers
The third point is unrealistic because many high class officials such as the Pope of the Russian Orthodox Church were allegedly part of the KBG. As well, the Russian people just don't seem to care. They elected Putin fully knowing that he was once a member of the KBG....this only adds to the fact the the Russians want to move forward, not dwell in the past.
I believe that Russia can move forward without taking the 'American point of view'. They have thus far and generally, the Russian people don't like to hold grudges. There mentality is about moving on and if they had made a mistake in the past to learn from it, and not repeat it again.
KBG Secrets Revealed
Politically, times are looking up for the former Soviet Union. An article from the Moscow times was published about how a former KBG hide out in Estonia is now being open for the public eye. They used a hotel where they would send all foreigners and relatives of Estonian's so they could monitor every movement and word each guest did and said. Ironically, the people who worked at the hotel (separate from the KBG) talk about how work was good, clean and guaranteed...you just had to watch what you said inside the hotel. Of course many foreigners experienced fear but some say they just got used to minding what they said while in the hotel.
By the Russian government opening these secret rooms where the KBG officials spent many hour up to the public, they are trying to make amends and make it public knowledge about what the KBG did.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Another Cold War for Russia?
Ukraine wants to punish modern Russia for the ill works of Stalin and the Bolshevik party during 1932-1933. Stalin caused famine in Ukraine and other Soviet controlled states. Ukraine historically was one of the major states that tried to seperate from the Soviet Union. After the collapse, they became an independant country and now seek compensation for those hard years. Politically, this is disasterous for Russia because they are trying to move forward politically and socially. By having to reopen old wounds, this is only causing them to stay stuck in the past. It is argued that the famine effected all of the USSR and not just the Ukraine.Viktor Pirozhenko, believes that by the Ukraine government taking this single minded, selfish, spin on the situation, they are only aiming to start a civil dispute with Russia
Here is a series of articles which prove this point.
http://rt.com/news/holodomor-famine-pirozhenko-ukraine/
http://rt.com/politics/holodomor-famine-stalin-ukraine/
http://rt.com/news/holodomor-genocide-report-pace/
Timeline of Terrorists Attacks (post Soviet Union)
Here is a link to an article from The Guardian which highlights all the major terrorists attacks in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The significance of this is that it highlights how as much as the Russian government wants to believe they are moving forward and getting rid of curruption in the country, a level of instability is still very much present. In a truly devolped and sucessful deomcratic nation, we don't have this many major bombings in our country. In the United States, the last major terrorist attack was 9/11. In Canada, we have only had threats but (knock on wood) our government has dealt with these threats appropriately.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/24/russian-terror-attacks-timeline
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/24/russian-terror-attacks-timeline
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Russia's Ballet Prince Creates New Nutcracker
In 2008, Russia's Bolshoi Ballet Company lost on of its most valuable members and artistic director due to the politics of its system. Alexei Ratmansky is now making a new life for himself. In an article published on December 14, 2010, Alexi is training young American dancers for his interpretation of the 'Nutcracker'. He understands that he can cannot reinvent such a poplar production but his hope is to give it some sharper edges and therefore appeal to a larger audience. An example of a fine man who was forced to leave everything because of a corrupt system.
Graft
'Graft' is political corruption that is the misuse of government powers/ legislation for private gain.
In Russia, the goal of President Dmitry Medvedev is to eliminate this from the country. Even though he understands it is going to take time, it is a process that he must go through.
In Russia, the goal of President Dmitry Medvedev is to eliminate this from the country. Even though he understands it is going to take time, it is a process that he must go through.
Suicide Bombing=Adoption of US colour-coded Terror Alert System
Thanks to Mr. Peats's helpful resources, the 'New York Times' was able to supply me valuable information on up to date stories coming from Russia. One such story was this article on how the Russian government responded to the suicide bombing in Moscow airport.
Although the Obama administration has since removed the colour-coded terror alert system from airports, the Russian government has been debating implanting the system for months (since the Moscow subway bombings), this has just given them another idle moment to implement it!
What is the 'colour-coded alert system'? Well simply, it evaluates the level of risk of a terror attack in a public transit area at anytime. The reason the US abolished the system was because not only was it not accurate, the public didn't know how to respond to it. Russia has implemented the system as it is better than having no warning system in place at all. France and Britain also had sillier systems but Britain has dropped it for the same reasons as the United States.
Here is the link to the article if you would like to read more.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/world/europe/29russia.html?_r=1&ref=russia
Monday, January 24, 2011
Resources to consider...
Please find attached some resources that if you follow will help further develop your blog.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/russia/index.html
(This is a New York Times article - from today, Monday, Jan 25, 2011. It contains on-going news stories and analysis, and if you look carefully a "Russia Navigator" with links to every site you could need that deals with Russia. There are links also to government resources (The Kremlin, Offical News Agency, etc.). And links to The Council on Foreign Relations, Harvard University's Kennedy School, etc. that deal with Russian politics.)
http://rt.com/
(This is from Reuters; it contains everything Russian - even blogs about Russia!)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/russia
(This too is an amazing site. It covers everything - the recent bomblast by female suicide bombers - possibly so-called Chechen rebels.)
...A mountain of material - all fascinating and useful - and containing that all-important analysis.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/russia/index.html
(This is a New York Times article - from today, Monday, Jan 25, 2011. It contains on-going news stories and analysis, and if you look carefully a "Russia Navigator" with links to every site you could need that deals with Russia. There are links also to government resources (The Kremlin, Offical News Agency, etc.). And links to The Council on Foreign Relations, Harvard University's Kennedy School, etc. that deal with Russian politics.)
http://rt.com/
(This is from Reuters; it contains everything Russian - even blogs about Russia!)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/russia
(This too is an amazing site. It covers everything - the recent bomblast by female suicide bombers - possibly so-called Chechen rebels.)
...A mountain of material - all fascinating and useful - and containing that all-important analysis.
The blog so far...
It's that time when I evaluate the blog so far. So a few thoughts are in order. Firstly, you've been consistent about posting, which is really important. Well done! And in your last post, you've begun to respond to my questions - for example, about the video you posted. You didn't respond to my question about "graft". By posting "comments" on your posts, I'm trying to get you to think more deeply and widely about Russian life, and of course politics - to enter into a conversation as it were. As you post, you need to analyze what your posting in greater detail: demonstrate more fully what and that you are learning about Russia and its politics - becoming a little bit of an expert on the subject.
By now you should be reading about Russia along with blogging. Dig out interesting articles. Make a trip to Chapters. Find people who are writing about Russia; are there any experts you've overlooked who are writing about this great and vast country? Could you get more use out of your BBC profile link? Lots of food for thought?
I'm not sure the HCC adds anything to the blog. It's only connection to the blog would be that it's director is from the former Soviet Union, but most people wouldn't know that. What about something else, more relevant? The choice is yours. Is there anything else that you could add to the blog that might help your readers to engage more fully with Russia.
Stick at it Elise. Onwards and upwards as they say.
By now you should be reading about Russia along with blogging. Dig out interesting articles. Make a trip to Chapters. Find people who are writing about Russia; are there any experts you've overlooked who are writing about this great and vast country? Could you get more use out of your BBC profile link? Lots of food for thought?
I'm not sure the HCC adds anything to the blog. It's only connection to the blog would be that it's director is from the former Soviet Union, but most people wouldn't know that. What about something else, more relevant? The choice is yours. Is there anything else that you could add to the blog that might help your readers to engage more fully with Russia.
Stick at it Elise. Onwards and upwards as they say.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Soviet Union vs. Tetris
As I posted earlier, there was a youtube video about the Soviet Union put to a piece of music called "Tetris". I believe that the two have been compared because in the game of Tetris, the goal is to arrange all the blocks so that they fit perfectly together. If you do not make this happen, you lose and have to start back at level one. Like the game, the ideology of the Soviet Union was that all the blocks would fit perfectly together. Unfortunately, it was up to the working class to arrange those blocks and if they could not make it work, then the government would throw more demands on them to try and make it work. I see the blocks as symbolizing all the demands, restrictions and rules the government threw on the working class. The man represents the working class. It was impossible for the working class to keep up with these demands and therefore, forced them into a life a poverty, fear, and eventually to thoughts of revolution.
Just like when you lose at a game of tetris you have to start back at level one, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was (for nation) the equivalent to starting back at level one. The entire country fell apart and everything and everyone was living a life in chaos and uncertainty. In a way, the video was satyrical because at a first glance, it was funny! But when you listen harder and pay attention to the song, I believe there is a deeper meaning as to why the author chose to compare the USSR to a game of "Tetris".
Just like when you lose at a game of tetris you have to start back at level one, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was (for nation) the equivalent to starting back at level one. The entire country fell apart and everything and everyone was living a life in chaos and uncertainty. In a way, the video was satyrical because at a first glance, it was funny! But when you listen harder and pay attention to the song, I believe there is a deeper meaning as to why the author chose to compare the USSR to a game of "Tetris".
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Canada/ Russia World Juniors Gold Medal Game
How can you ignore the fact that Canada lost to Russia at the world juniors hockey game?? As terrible as an upset it was for Canada, here are some highlights from that game.
Interesting fact: The top two hockey players in the NHL are Russian and Canadian. Alex Ovechkin (Russia) and Sidney Crosby (Canada) are the two most well liked and top point placing players currently in the NHL.
Interesting fact: The top two hockey players in the NHL are Russian and Canadian. Alex Ovechkin (Russia) and Sidney Crosby (Canada) are the two most well liked and top point placing players currently in the NHL.
Investigation into the Corruption of the Russian Government
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/medvedev-expands-corruption-fight/428839.html
I really liked this article because I found it linked nicely with the ending of my Soviet Union presentation. In the past, the government as always been known for being corrupt. The hiding/ stealing of money was a dominant issue as government officials took more than their allotted pay. Medvedev has now proven that the Russian government is truly becoming more democratic in their thinking; they have adopted the ideology as more than just a title. Medvedev wants to audit all government officials, particularly their income declarations.
I really liked this article because I found it linked nicely with the ending of my Soviet Union presentation. In the past, the government as always been known for being corrupt. The hiding/ stealing of money was a dominant issue as government officials took more than their allotted pay. Medvedev has now proven that the Russian government is truly becoming more democratic in their thinking; they have adopted the ideology as more than just a title. Medvedev wants to audit all government officials, particularly their income declarations.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Orphaned Russian Children
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/money-for-abandoned-kids/428550.html
This article from the Moscow times highlights the life orphans in Russia live. They recieve no income from their families and up till this point, they recieved no income from the state either. Historically in the Soviet Union, orphans were given compensation because they were the future of the country. President Medvedev plans to reinstall this belief in that all children are important but unlike the ideology of the Soviet Union, they should be able to provide for themselves.
This article from the Moscow times highlights the life orphans in Russia live. They recieve no income from their families and up till this point, they recieved no income from the state either. Historically in the Soviet Union, orphans were given compensation because they were the future of the country. President Medvedev plans to reinstall this belief in that all children are important but unlike the ideology of the Soviet Union, they should be able to provide for themselves.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Youtube video of the Soviet Union
Here is a funny video about life in the Soviet Union. It focuses on the working class...it is funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWTFG3J1CP8
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