Large sporting events are often touted as a surefire way to improve an economy by creating jobs, bringing customers to a region, and boosting tax revenue. In reality, the costs often outweigh the benefits, with …
When it comes to travel and food, I am all about the local dishes. But if you are in a country long enough, eventually, you will get a hankering for something different. In Russia, it …
The rusty Lada covered in tree branches, metal tube fixed to the hood, thundered down the oddly named 22 Parts’Yezda Avenue. A patriotic tune blared from its open windows, the hammer and sickle fluttering proudly …
I recently returned from a trip to the Caucasus, which included summiting Mt. Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe. As I haven’t had time to write anything thoughtful, here is some footage I shot while …
I’m not sure what drove me to pick up the faded red-booklet sitting on the table alongside a box of plastic Soviet pins and medals. There was nothing particularly special about it. The pages were …
The elections in Russia are over, and to no one’s surprise Vladimir Putin has won another six-year term as president. I recently sat down in Moscow with Valya, a young activist, member of the LGBT …
On March 18th, Russia will hold presidential elections with the largest field of candidates since 2000. Seven opposition hopefuls ranging from avowed Stalinists to free-market reformers will go up against Putin in hopes of bringing …
“I heard all you have to do to vote for Putin is nod in front of the TV.” The comment was made by Andrei as we drove by a large billboard of Vladimir Putin urging …
Привет товарищи! It’s time to fly your red banners high and turn up L’Internationale because next week marks the 100th anniversary of “The Great October Socialist Revolution!” (November 7 according to Pope Gregory XIII and …
“And this is where they buried the Chinese.” “Chinese?” I asked, wondering how anyone from China would have found themselves in this place, no less die in it. “Yes, all 14 of them,” said Olga, …