Is Russia Preparing to Join NATO?: Argumenty i Facty, Russia
Feb 12th, 2010 | 6 responses
According to this article from Russia’s, Argumenty i Facty, a report that may have been approved by the Russian president has created a media ‘furor’: An institute ‘under the patronage’ of President Medvedev, is predicting NATO integration and a more ‘liberal’ future for the country.
The article from Russia’s Argumenty i Facty says in part:
The present furor in the national media was triggered by the announcement of the report, “Russia in the 21st century: The Image of the Desired Tomorrow,” which has been prepared by the Institute of Contemporary Development (INSOR).
There are rumors that the text of the report was personally approved by the president. However, this “Image of the Desired Tomorrow” is so different from the “National Security Strategy of Russia until 2020,” signed by the same president, that there arises some legitimate bewilderment. There can be either one or the other.
What will Russia look like after these successful reforms? You wouldn’t believe it – about the same as was hoped for 18 years ago on a wave of “democratic” euphoria. … The political system will be similar to Yeltsin’s.
The article goes on to list a series of changes that the report forecasts, chief among them:
There will be no media censorship. … “Brain drain” will cease. … The ruble will become a currency used for international trade. Mandatory military conscription will be discounted. … Russia will enter the WTO and – attention! – NATO.
The unnamed author then writes:
But so far no one has answered two main questions: did Medvedev really read the report; and did he actually approve it?
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6 Responses to “Is Russia Preparing to Join NATO?: Argumenty i Facty, Russia”
One main question: Did Putin approve it? He is the leader of the country.
Dear Shannonlee,
It occurred to me that it could be a kind of trial balloon to test reaction – and one that Medvedev could disavow if it proves a flop. But Kremlinology is one of the more complicated areas for any student of politics. How Putin enters into this is an interesting question. Perhaps Medvedev is up to something here – an attempt to distance himself from the Putin's authoritarian streak?
Hi William,
Medvedev is a puppet. He may be enjoying the position, but he knows Putin can have him tossed in jail for tax evasion the moment he steps out of line. I have no idea why they would put something like this out there. Bad marketing? The need to call the Mad Men before they starting talking about joining the EU.
As long as their media is state controlled and Putin has his hand in government, Russia will be nothing short of a dictatorship.
Oh, so now Russia is good cop eh? Didn't they just recently supply a bunch of fighter jets to Iran?
I don't want to say Russia has a free press, because it doesn't, But it must be pointed out that there is considerable criticism for the regime in certain Russian newspapers, some of which we have posted here. This article, for example:
http://worldmeets.us/yezhednevniyzhurnal000001….
I would also say that the actual relationship between Putin and Medvedev is a topic of considerable controversy, both in and out of Russia.
When is Putin eligible to run for President again?