Is Russia Just Flexing Muscle or Is It Burning Bridges?

Russian diplomats’ frequent critique of the United States and its policy is old news, but last week the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seemed to have surpassed itself in the crudity of its statements. Despite the fact that the harsh response to John McCain’s proposal to exclude Russia from the G8 was not ungrounded, its barbaric nature speaks to Russia’s confidence being transformed into ignorant arrogance that may someday backfire on the country’s efficient foreign policy.
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The Current Decline of the Russian Stock Market Is a Reason to Buy Shares

No bigger mistake than investing money in Russian stocks could have been made in July. Over the week of July 25th, the RTS index fell in all categories, hitting rock-bottom following Putin’s unfavorable remarks on Russia’s largest metallurgy company Mechel. This caused agitation among investors who have already heard the news of declining oil prices and warnings of the economy overheating. Now, Russia needs to find a way to bring its stocks back up, soon.
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Despite Both of the Countries’ Economies Booming, Trade between India and Russia Remains Miniscule

In the year of Russia in India, the two growing economic powers have decided that it is time to shake the dust from their agreements and come together to strengthen their unique bond. The India-Russia Trade Relations Conference held on the morning of July 30 placed an emphasis on translating words into action.
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auteur cinema in Russia

Art Kino, an independent organization composed of young people interested in filmmaking, seeks to revive auteur cinema in Russia. The club uses the Mir Iskusstva movie theater to screen a variety of art house films, which are later discussed during seminar-like sessions. But as a creative movement, the club allows its members to not only view extraordinary films, but also produce some, thus fostering the talent that might form the backbone of Russian cinema in the near future.
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Western Leaders Still Ponder Who Directs Russia’s Foreign Policy

On July 24, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin publicly lambasted OAO Mechel and its CEO Igor Zuzin for alleged price fixing, thus halving the company’s share price and sending the Russian stock market into a ditch. Putin’s comments not only shattered foreign investors’ confidence in the Russian market, so meticulously fostered by President Dmitry Medvedev, but also demonstrated that the prime minister still has the upper hand, thus aggravating the relationship between the mentor and the protégée.
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