Russia’s dreams and disappointments and Russia’s politics are among the many concepts that define Russia. Capitalism has transformed Moscow over the last decade. Tired travelers heading downtown after arriving at Sheremetyevo airport probably don’t pay much attention to the village-style wooden houses. Russia’s social class inequality is visible in the drive from the countryside near the airport to Moscow’s city center. The route starts at open fields and birch forests and passes poor rural homes. The road finally ends with some of the most expensive shops in the world not far from the Kremlin. Moscow’s officials are the leading contributors to Russia’s dreams and disappointments and Russia’s politics. For more information on Russia’s dreams and disappointments and Russia’s politics, click
THE VOLGA CONTRIBUTION TO RUSSIA’S DREAMS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS
Russia’s dreams and disappointments and Russia’s politics also trace to the Volga river. The 2,300-mile Mother Volga, a river of history, folklore, song, and art, is far more than Europe’s longest waterway. Like the Mississippi in America, Volga defines Russia’s spiritual heartland. Talking to people who live on the banks gives a sense of hope, and Russia’s dreams and disappointments today. Therefore, to journey along the Volga is to taste a broad slice of life in post-Soviet Russia. The villages and holiday dacha settlements that hug the river reflect the divisions that have emerged here. Also, Luxury getaways are evident amid the rundown houses of poor farmers and the modest weekend cottages of office workers. Lastly, luxury getaways are evidence of Russia’s social class inequality. For more information on the Volga contribution to Russia’s dreams and disappointments, click
VLADISLAV SURKOV’S EFFECT ON RUSSIA’S POLITICS
Russia’s dreams and disappointments and Russia’s politics have had a significant effect on the political aspect of Russia. The White House issued its first list of Russian officials subject to visa restrictions and asset freeze. Many in the Moscow elite wondered why Vladislav Surkov made it to the very top of the roster. Russia’s politics have witnessed Surkov towering behind the presidents of Russia, including and especially Vladimir Putin. Since Putin’s reelection in 2012, Surkov’s influence was waning until the crisis in Ukraine. Among those who know Surkov and work with him, the 49-year-old inspires fear. Everybody in the Kremlin is afraid to open their mouths and say anything negative about Surkov. Lastly, Russia’s social class inequality has been least affected by political forces. For more information on Vladislav Surkov’s effect on Russia’s politics, click
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