Publication

This RAD issue focuses on Russian President Vladimir Putin. First, Caroline von Gall and Laura Jäckel analyze current Russian constitutional reform, including what it means for presidential power. Second, Fabian Burkhardt examines how these reforms have further merged the institution of the Russian presidency with the current president. Third, Ulrich Schmid addresses what the constitutional reforms highlight about national identity in Russia, particularly regarding the role of ethnic Russians. Fourth, Gwendolyn Sasse covers how often the official Kremlin website refers to the annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine.