In the spring of 1989, elections were held: “alternative elections.” This redundant phrase, which today provokes smirks, back then had everyone in a state of euphoria. We had a choice!

"A classical authoritarian power... does not pay that much attention to what the population thinks, and when it does, this attention is usually limited to a bunch of platitudes loudly proclaimed as the official ideology..."

A mysterious tragedy that killed nine students in the Urals in 1959 is suddenly making headlines in Russia.

Living on ice, the boorocracy, profiling perps, naming cities, and where smoking holds sway.

In which we review books on empire and disasters.

After President Putin was reelected there was a government reshuffling. But very little new blood.

On why #metoo is not taking hold in Russia.

In which we review a novel about Bulgakov and his love, Margarita (Mikhail and Margarita, by Julie Himes); Soviet Salvage, by Catherine Walworth; and The House of Government, by Yuri Slezkine.

Over the 70-year lifespan of the “most equal and democratic nation” known as the Soviet Union, just a handful of women rose to the rank of ambassador. A few more have attained this level since 1991, yet diplomacy in Russia remains largely a male preserve.

This is the first time that Russia's Culture Ministry has censored a film by cancelling its license to be shown in theaters. Satire takes a hit.

All the news that fits, including quotes overheard and notables' obituaries.

Special report from the scene of the devastating May 28, 1995 quake on Sakhalin Island.