Final Part 3

Question 1

The 1st Chechen War (1994-96)

Answer 1

• The First Chechen War began in 1994 when Russia attempted to regain control over Chechnya, which sought independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• Characterized by brutal fighting and significant civilian casualties, the conflict highlighted the challenges of maintaining territorial integrity and dealing with separatist movements.
• The war resulted in a peace treaty in 1996, but it did not resolve underlying tensions, leading to further instability in the region and foreshadowing the resurgence of conflict in subsequent years.
• Internationally, the war garnered criticism and raised concerns about human rights abuses, impacting Russia’s image in the West.

Question 2

The 1996 Russian presidential election

Answer 2

• The 1996 presidential election in Russia, which saw Boris Yeltsin re-elected, was marked by significant corruption and allegations of manipulation, with extensive financial and media support from oligarchs.
• The election highlighted the transition to a more democratic political system, albeit marred by electoral irregularities, and signaled the challenges of building democratic institutions in the post-Soviet landscape.
• Yeltsin’s victory was perceived as a victory for market reforms and the West, but it also deepened divisions in Russian society and dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
• The election results were seen as crucial for the continuation of Western engagement with Russia during the 1990s, as many in the West viewed Yeltsin as a partner in promoting democracy.

Question 3

1998 Russian economic crisis

Answer 3

• The Russian economic crisis of 1998 was triggered by declining oil prices, a large public debt, and rampant inflation, leading the government to default on its debt and devalue the ruble.
• The crisis resulted in severe economic hardship for ordinary Russians, leading to increased poverty and social unrest, while undermining confidence in the reforms initiated after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
• The economic turmoil prompted a shift in political power dynamics, paving the way for Vladimir Putin’s rise as a stabilizing leader amid the chaos.
• The crisis also impacted Russian relations with the West, as the IMF and other international bodies sought to provide assistance, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Russian economy.

Question 4

Yeltsin resigns (Dec. 1999)

Answer 4

• Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation on December 31, 1999, unexpectedly transferring power to then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who became the acting president.
• Yeltsin’s resignation marked the formal end of his turbulent presidency, characterized by economic challenges and political instability, and was significant in Russia’s post-Soviet transition.
• The sudden leadership change signified a shift toward a more centralized and authoritative style of governance, as Putin sought to restore stability and enhance Russia’s state power.
• Yeltsin’s legacy remains contentious, as he is viewed both as a reformer who opened Russia to the West and as a leader whose policies contributed to economic disarray and social fragmentation.

Question 5

NATO expansion (1990s-2000s)

Answer 5

• NATO expansion refers to the alliance’s enlargement during the late 1990s and early 2000s, incorporating several Eastern European countries that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence, including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
• This action was perceived by Russia as a direct threat to its security and sphere of influence, straining relations between Russia and the West as it reinforced the East-West divide.
• Despite arguments supporting NATO’s promotion of stability and democracy, Russian leaders, including Putin, have consistently voiced opposition to the alliance’s eastward growth, citing historical grievances.
• The expansion contributed to the deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations, with fears of encirclement serving as a justification for a more assertive Russian foreign policy.

Question 6

U.S., Russia, and the “War on Terror”

Answer 6

• Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. sought cooperation with Russia in the “War on Terror,” as both countries recognized Islamic extremism as a mutual threat.
• Russia initially supported the U.S. in Afghanistan, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and gain Western recognition of its own security concerns.
• However, this cooperation was complicated by ongoing tensions over NATO expansion, U.S. missile defense initiatives, and differing approaches to global security, causing eventual friction.
• The evolving dynamics highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Russian relations, as counterterrorism collaboration was often overshadowed by lingering geopolitical rivalries.

Question 7

2008 Russo-Georgian war

Answer 7

• The 2008 Russo-Georgian War was a conflict between Russia and Georgia over the South Ossetia region, which escalated after Georgia launched an attack to regain control over the breakaway territory.
• Russia intervened militarily, citing the protection of Russian citizens in South Ossetia, leading to a swift and decisive victory for Russian forces.
• The war significantly worsened relations between Russia and the West, as it drew international condemnation and raised questions about Russia’s intentions in the post-Soviet space.
• The conflict underscored Russia’s willingness to use military force to protect its interests in former Soviet territories, signaling a more assertive foreign policy under Putin.

Question 8

Dmitry Medvedev and Obama “reset”

Answer 8

• Dmitry Medvedev, who served as President of Russia from 2008 to 2012, sought to improve relations with the West, coinciding with U.S. President Barack Obama’s “reset” policy aimed at overcoming past tensions between the two countries.
• The reset led to significant agreements on nuclear arms reductions, exemplified by the New START treaty, and increased cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism and non-proliferation.
• However, the reset faced challenges due to diverging interests in areas like the conflict in Syria and NATO expansion, ultimately revealing the limits of improving U.S.-Russia relations.
• The initial optimism of the reset was overshadowed by rising tensions in subsequent years, particularly with the deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations following the annexation of Crimea and the Ukrainian crisis.

Question 9

Pussy Riot

Answer 9

• Pussy Riot is a feminist punk rock group known for its provocative performances and protests against the Russian government, particularly in relation to issues of human rights and gender equality.
• Formed in 2011, the group gained international notoriety after a performance in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012, which led to the arrest and imprisonment of several members.
• Their trial and subsequent conviction were met with global outrage, symbolizing the repression of dissent and artistic expression in Russia under Putin’s regime.
• Pussy Riot’s activism sparked discussions on women’s rights, political dissent, and freedom of expression, contributing to heightened scrutiny of Russia’s domestic policies.

Question 10

Alexei Navalny

Answer 10

• Alexei Navalny is a prominent Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist known for his critical stance against the Putin administration, advocating for political reform and transparency.
• His activities include investigating high-level corruption and organizing protests, which have garnered significant domestic and international support, positioning him as a key figure in the opposition movement.
• Navalny has faced numerous legal challenges, including imprisonment and poisoning, with many viewing these actions as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent.
• His efforts have highlighted the struggle for democracy in Russia, raising awareness about human rights violations and the broader implications of authoritarian governance.

Question 11

Ukrainian “Euromaidan revolution” (Feb. 2014)

Answer 11

• The Euromaidan Revolution was a series of protests in Ukraine that began in November 2013 over the government’s decision to suspend an association agreement with the European Union, culminating in February 2014 with the ousting of President Yanukovych.
• The movement reflected broader desires for political reform, closer ties to the West, and resistance against corruption, which resonated with many Ukrainians frustrated by the government’s ties to Russia.
• The revolution prompted a significant geopolitical realignment, inciting Russia to react aggressively in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea and support for separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine.
• The Euromaidan revolution marked a turning point in Ukraine’s relations with Russia and the West, intensifying the ongoing conflict and reshaping the political landscape in the region.

Question 12

Russian annexation of Crimea (2014)

Answer 12

• In March 2014, following the Euromaidan Revolution, Russia annexed Crimea, a move widely condemned by Ukraine and the international community as a violation of international law.
• The annexation was justified by Russia on the grounds of protecting Russian-speaking populations and historical claims to the territory, but it was met with sanctions and geopolitical isolation from the West.
• The event marked the beginning of a new phase in Russia-West relations, significantly severing ties and leading to increased tensions and military confrontations in Eastern Europe.
• The Crimea situation revitalized NATO’s focus on collective defense and resulted in increased military presence in Eastern Europe to deter further Russian aggression.

Question 13

“Active Measures” campaign (in 2016 U.S. Election)

Answer 13

• “Active Measures” refers to a set of covert operations, including disinformation, propaganda, and electoral interference, utilized by Russia to influence political outcomes and public opinion in foreign countries.
• During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian intelligence conducted a multifaceted campaign to sow discord, undermine trust in democratic institutions, and support specific candidates.
• The revelations of these activities led to heightened scrutiny of Russia’s intentions and capabilities, stirring political controversy within the United States and leading to subsequent investigations.
• The campaign underscored the continuing evolution of hybrid warfare and the use of non-traditional tactics to achieve geopolitical goals, significantly impacting U.S.-Russia relations.

Question 14

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Answer 14

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elected President of Ukraine in 2019, is a former comedian and political outsider who campaigned on anti-corruption and pro-European Union platforms, reflecting the public’s desire for change following the Euromaidan revolution.
• His presidency has been characterized by an ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, particularly in light of the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy emerged as a key figure in mobilizing international support for Ukraine amid rising tensions, especially during the events surrounding the Russian invasion in 2022.
• His leadership has emphasized the need for democratic reforms and resilience against external threats, becoming a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and sovereignty.

Question 15

Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Feb. 2022)

Answer 15

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked a significant escalation of the conflict that began in 2014, as Russia launched a wide-ranging military offensive aimed at toppling the Ukrainian government.
• The invasion was met with widespread condemnation from the international community, resulting in severe economic sanctions against Russia and substantial military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
• The conflict has led to significant loss of life, displacement of millions, and a humanitarian crisis, reshaping geopolitical alliances and security dynamics in Europe.
• The invasion has revitalized NATO and EU unity, significantly altering public perceptions of Russia and leading to increased military preparedness among Western nations.