Skip to content

Culture & Religion — December 12, 2011

Behind Kremlin’s Thaw on TV Coverage of Protests

Facing the largest antigovernment protests in more than a decade, the Kremlin has, for now, softened its hard line against opponents. But is it simply digging in to wait them out?

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

What’s the Latest Development?

Amid the biggest antigovernment protests in more than a decade–sparked by allegations of widespread fraud in the recent parliamentary elections–the Kremlin has, at least for now, softened its hard line against opponents. But some speculate that the sudden coverage of the rallies on state television, and the absence of a police crackdown, is because the authorities are digging in to wait out their opponents.

What’s the Big Idea?

In a Facebook comment, President Dmitry Medvedev said people had a right to express their position, but he didn’t agree with the slogans or statements made at the demonstrations. Initial reaction from the Kremlin and the ruling party seemed to suggest the Kremlin would allow opponents to let off steam but not make any major changes.

Image from www.kremlin.ru.

Sign up for the Smarter Faster newsletter

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Related

A detailed, colorful brain visualization with intricate patterns of green, blue, and yellow on a dark background.

The most detailed brain map ever

Scientists have created a magnificent portrait of every connection among neurons in a fruit fly’s brain.

Animated characters observe a family walking in a snowy scene through a viewing screen, inside a control room.

Everyday Philosophy: Is there such a thing as a “negative emotion”?

There’s little more infuriating in the world than being told to “calm down” when you’re in the midst of a simmering grump.

wormholes

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Is antigravity even possible?

Humans, when we consider space travel, recognize the need for gravity. Without our planet, is artificial or antigravity even possible?

World map highlighting the Brandt Line, dividing the Global North and Global South across continents.

The Brandt Line gave us the Global North and South. It needs an update.

In 1980, Willy Brandt drew a line across the map that still influences how we think about the world.

Collage with a rocket launch, raised hand, SpaceX text, blueberries, and circuitry against a gray background with "THE NIGHT CRAWLER" text—echoing the intense atmosphere of chip wars.

Inside the world’s most important company

Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.

Up Next

Surprising Science

China’s Skill in Stealing America’s Secrets

The intriguing case of China’s success in obtaining the secret design of the American W-88 nuclear warhead illustrates the expertise of its espionage service—one that rivals the C.I.A..