russia

write a short essay (about 650 words) about the state of democracy in Russia today.  Before starting this project, you should watch the following two videos —

1. “A Man Like Putin” at http://www.pbs.org/soundtracks/stories/putin/
2. “Strongmen and Dissenters” at   http://www.pbs.org/soundtracks/stories/putin/strong.php. 

Both of these videos show the support Vladimir Putin enjoyed during his initial 2 terms in office (and reasons why he enjoyed this support). 

You should also read the following Freedom House report about the state of democracy in Russia (and the protests that have erupted following the re-election of Putin) —

http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/nations-transit/2012/russia

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On the basis of what you have learned from these items (and the rest of your readings on Russia), you just want to discuss what you have learned and what you think about the state of democracy in Russia today.