February 05, 2024

What Russians Want


What Russians Want
People in Moscow Metro. Christopher Michel, Wikimedia Commons

In a survey conducted by the independent sociological group Russian Field ahead of the March presidential elections, a overwhelming majority of Russians expressed a desire for "social justice" (80%), for Russia to assert itself as a "great power" (76%), and for the country to uphold "human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression" (73%).

The pollsters noted a generational divide in support for democratic values – it was higher among younger respondents. Conversely, there's a growing inclination towards "traditional values" and strong governmental authority.

Gender discrepancies were also apparent. Men were more supportive of a free market, while women expressed stronger preferences for "national greatness" and a return to traditional values.

Persons lacking higher education were more prone to endorse ideas of national power and traditionalism.

As to expectations from the newly elected president, approximately 26.4% of those polled emphasized the need for the president to end Russia's War on Ukraine and establish peace. Nearly 10% wanted to see improvements in income and living standards, while 8.2% advocated for political reforms and changes in governance. A majority found it difficult to answer this question.

Men and non-voters tended to say political reforms should be the president's top priority. Conversely, older individuals, low-income earners, and those lacking higher education said improving living standards was most important. Women, affluent individuals, those with higher education, and non-voters were more likely to prioritize ending the war.

Notably, Boris Nadezhdin has emerged as the only potential presidential anti-war candidate, who has a proposal to end the conflict. His campaign has garnered over 200,000 signatures, surpassing the required 100,000. However, questions have arisen regarding the validity of some signatures, and independent media outlet Meduza has suggested that, unsurprisingly, there is Kremlin resistance to an anti-war candidate in the presidential race.

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93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

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Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
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The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
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Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

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