Political Questions

1. How high is the level of corruption in Russia? Is it institutionalized?
2. Does Medvedev have any control over the government?
3. What is the foreign policy of Russia regards to China, US, EU?
4. Is Putin really behind everything that goes on in Russian politics at the moment?
5. Is Russia an autocracy?
6. Why does Russia want to control Chechnya?
7. What is the role of Ramzan Kadyrov?
8. Why is Russia concerned about former Soviet bloc countries being absorbed into the E.U?
9. What is Russia’s official and unofficial stance on relationship with EU, US, China, India, Brazil?
10. What is Russia’s strategic intentions? Remain local power and build up a buffer?
11. What role do Muslims play in Russian history – Kazan (example of autonomous republic)
12. Role of terrorism on development in Russia
13. Role of Stalin and personality cult today?
14. Putin’s image – personality cult?
15. Opposition to Putin/Medvedev – does it exist?
16. What has happened to opposition in the past?
17. Abramovich – What is his relationship with politicians and Putin in particular?
18. What is the role of the FSB, does the governmet have control over them?
19. How many ex-KGB employees are currently serving in a public role?
20. How likely is a change in constitution?
21. How much influence does Russia have over its former satellites? What is the source of that influence?