March 01, 2004 Six Imperial Era Titles A quick review of six new books that focus on or have their roots in the pre-Revolutionary era.
March 01, 2004 Mapping Russia A map can be such a vivid, descriptive portal into a nation’s history. We asked a map collector and Russophile to share with us some of the most interesting historic maps of Russia.
February 24, 2004 Putin Boots Kasyanov The probable has become inexorable. March 14, the date of Russia's Presidential Reelection, will now assuredly cement in place the most significant depluralization of Russian politics since 1989. Putin is expected to get between 70 and 80% of the vote that day -- a number reminiscent of when Brezhnev teetered to the polls.Meanwhile, there are no checks on executive power. Russia no longer enjoys a Free Press. There is no independent judiciary. The recently elected Duma is a Rubber St Russia File
January 27, 2004 Putinlovefest Russia's March presidential election was exciting for about 5 minutes, when there was talk amongst "opposition" candidates of boycotting elections, to deny Putin an electoral minimum, bringing a constitutionally mandated end to his presidency. But, by minute 6, a prominent democrat had defected and enough wacko candidates were popping up in the wings to guarantee the required 50% voter turnout. Now we are ensured a Putinlovefest of unprecedented proportions. Stay tuned... Russia File
January 01, 2004 Just a Minute An offbeat look at the different ways Russians and Americans think about, and talk about, time.
January 01, 2004 Calendar Items in Brief Short takes on some historical dates with anniversaries during this issue's publication period.
January 01, 2004 Ioseliani An intimate biography of the Georgian filmmaker Otar Ioseliani, who turns 70 on February 2, 2004. A filmography is also included.
January 01, 2004 A Winter Ferment One of Russia's most typical winter dishes is fermented cabbage. You'll want to rush out to the store and buy a few heads to make this dish when you are done reading our recipe.
January 01, 2004 The Magical World of the Russian Circus It is the world's largest circus organization and one of its oldest. We asked a noted circus-phile to take us behind the flaps of Russia's Big Top, to look at the fascinating history of this 210-year-old institution.
January 01, 2004 May the Waters Be With You With roots stretching back over a millennium, the Russian banya (steam bath) is stitched tightly into the fabric of the Russian soul. We asked an intrepid journalist to help us unravel the mysteries, and sent him on a tour of Moscow's finest public bani.
January 01, 2004 Payback Time Russia faces the same demographic presures as other industrialized nations: a declining workforce, rising numbers of retirees, and a desire to lower taxes. To meet the challenge, the Russian government is privatizing a part of pensions. Sort of.
January 01, 2004 Daily Bread A page-long sidebar to our story on the Leningrad Siege, in which we look back at how people fed themselves during the horrific blockade.
