Destination
John Bonar
The Nature of Russia's Democracy, Putin's Formula, and How Managed Democracy Works
by Vlad Sobell
The Nature of Russia's Democracy
Russia is coming to democracy (or more precisely modernity) from a very different direction compared with most Western countries. Russia was not overthrown or invaded, – it was liberated from communism/totalitarianism by its own bootstraps. Thanks to this impulse – which was driven by internal democratizing forces from its own people, –Russia continues to grow its democratic system slowly up to the present––and will continue to do so. For this reason, we (the West) have no right to lecture or criticize the Russians on their evolving governance. Nothing good comes from it; quite the contrary, it only creates resentment on their side––and the entrenchment of a patronizing mindset on our side.
Alexanders Lebedev’s London Evening Standard wins local TV licence
British telecom regulator, Ofcom, has awarded the licence to run the local TV service in London on digital terrestrial TV (DTT) to Evening Standard TV , ESTV Ltd. London’s evening newspaper is owned by the family of Russian businessman, Alexander Lebedev. The chairman is his son Yevgeny.
Russian ETF’s worthy of investors’ consideration
Russia's stock market, which has not participated much in the post-2009 global bull market, may be ready to join the party. Global investors have been bidding up one laggard stock sector or national market after another, including that of troubled Spain. Often what happens after the easy and obvious choices have been identified after a major global shock occurs, such as that of 2008-9, is that value-oriented investors look around for any ignored opportunities. This article puts forth a set of reasons why in this context, Russia's stock markets may soon see a revaluation upward. Russia may have been changing for the better, at least economically.
Construction of CNPC-Rosneft refinery to start in June says Chinese paper
Work on a long-delayed Sino-Russian oil refinery is expected to start in June in Tianjin, according to an industry insider quoted in China Daily. Qin Yonghe, general manager of the China National Petroleum Corp Bohai Drilling Engineering Co, said government officials of Tianjin lobbied in Beijing in December for the project to be started.
RUSSIA FIXED INCOME QUARTERLY. FEBRUARY 2013 - LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
CIS fixed income markets strong in 4Q12. Relief on global markets fueled demand for EM debt. CIS Eurobonds and local ruble bonds were among the top priorities, their yields dropping significantly as a result. Primary markets saw good performance, which translated to both CIS Eurobonds and ruble bonds reaching record high figures for 2012.
Legal festivities at the Russian Embassy in London
With the Russian Minister of Justice, Alexander Konovalov and the British Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling deep in conversation with Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko in the Ambassador’s residence yesterday evening a suspiciously generous helping of bonhomie seemed to be erupting over Russo-British relations. Fuelled by a sumptuous buffet washed down by refreshments from a continuously replenished bar the assembled cast of legal professionals were impressed both by the hospitality and the setting. For many it was a rare opportunity to step inside the doors at Kensington Palace Gardens and those who took to the terrace through French windows appreciated the extensive garden at the rear.
Tatarstan sets the benchmark for regional promotion
Russian Deputy PM Dvorkovich says Russia's participation in Davos "biggest ever"
Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich has held a briefing on Russia's participation in the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Arkady Dvorkovich stressed that this year Russia's attendance at the Davos forum will be the biggest ever. He said that the main reason for this is that Russia is president of the G20 this year, and the G20 and G8 presidents are traditionally welcomed as guests of honor at the Davos Forum.
Russian PM pitches for investment at Davos
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev played up his country as a safe bet for investors in a speech at Davos on Wednesday, but a major new study raised concerns about Russia's thriving corruption and dependence on energy exports.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss mountain town, Medvedev highlighted Russia's economic performance — including 3.5 percent growth last year — and said the country had set ambitious targets for boosting foreign investment.
My passion opposes myths and propaganda
Those who know me since 2007 when I launched Business Special Report in Moscow know that I am increasingly passionate about exposing the myths and countering the hostile propaganda that engulf any attempt to have a rational, logical and objective discussion about Russia.
Even now, a demonstration that numbers far less than .02 per cent of the population, is reported as ‘rocking’ the government. The demonstrations were significant but they never threatened to topple the government. The myths surrounding the tragic death of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 are now part of the national consciousness of the British public and the hostility directed at Vladimir Putin’s Russia is actively stoked by ill-wishers within the west’s security services and corridors of power who yearn for a return to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union was a clearly defined enemy.
These sentiments are clearly damaging to the international community’s relations with Russia and harm the development of trade and investment relations with the largest country on earth. Russia is 17 million square kms. It spans nine time zones from the borders of Europe to the Sea of Japan and an ice bridge that in winters allow snowmobiles to drive from Alaska to Chukotka in Russia. The country’s economy is fuelled by vast natural resources encompassing oil, gas, forests, diamonds, gold, copper, iron, aluminium, uranium, coal, phosphates…. The list goes on and ends with what could be the world’s most precious resource for future generations – water!
There is a revival under way in Russia.
- Ø A revival in the oil and gas industry as Russia prepares to exploit its arctic reserves in partnership with western companies Exxon and BP.
- Ø There’s a revival in the auto industry helped by international manufacturers lead by the Renault-Nissan alliance.
- Ø The country’s proud technological past is being revived by new alliances spurred by the Rusnano Corporation and the Skolkovo Foundation.
- Ø Russia is being revived as the agricultural powerhouse it once was with cowboys from Oklahoma riding herd on large cattle herds 200 miles south of Moscow and wheat silos springing up across the plains.
My aim is to build an information bridge between Europe and Russia so the real picture of an emerging country on the move can be appreciated and opportunities seized to build business. BSR Russia Magazine will launch in April 2013 with direct distribution by post to 20,000 readers in Russia and the EU.