I have been wanting to write a piece on Russia for months now… and the recent arrest of Garry Kasparov has provided a good opportunity to do so.  

Russia, under Vladmir Putin’s leadership, has been slowly deteriorating to say the least.  A country that showed promise less than a decade ago is slowly acquiescing back to it’s historical ‘status-quo’ consisting of oppressive, top-down leadership.  The most recent example of this is Putin’s attempt to stay in power beyond his constitutionally-imposed term limits.  He is using the power of his office to legitimize his illegal behavior through coersive election tactics. In part, the “United Russia” party is suggesting that government employees will loose their jobs if they do not vote for Putin, or refrain from voting at all..

Many Russians say they are being pressured to vote at work under the watchful eyes of their bosses or risk losing their jobs…

A teacher in St. Petersburg said, “They didn’t tell us necessarily to vote for United Russia, but you can read between the lines,“

Similar accounts have been given by teachers, doctors, factory workers and others around the country. Some have said they were warned they would lose their jobs if they did not comply.

“It is unbelievable. The use of bureaucracy is on an unprecedented scale,” said Marina Dashenkova of Golos, an election-monitoring group. “People are complaining that their bosses are forcing them to take absentee ballots and vote for whom they say.”

“It’s pure pressure. They are saying, ‘We are not forcing you, we are asking you, but if not, you will show your disloyalty to your company,’” said the woman, Anna, who declined to disclose her last name out of fear of being fired.

There are those who are fighting back; the most predominate figure being Garry Kasparov, former chess champion and perhaps the only person who can beat “deep blue“… (although his record against the computer has been the subject of contentious debate). Kasparov left the world of chess to take on Putin and fight for democracy in Russia in 2005, and has been actively involved with “The Other Russia“, a pro-democratic political group.

Kasparov’s arrest this past week for a peaceful protest march in Mosco is telling of the Kremlin’s tolerance (or lack thereof) of dissidents — especially those who disagree with the current leadership.  These tactics are neither new nor should surprise anyone; this dictatorial use of government power is only the latest in a series of attacks on Russians who speak out against Putin’s leadership.

Many may remember Alexander Litvinko who recently died after he was “infected” with polonium, a highly radioactive substance. Anita Politikovskaya, a Russian journalist, was also subject to a failed poisoning and was eventually gunned down just outside her apartment in 2006. She also was vocally critical of the Russian Government.

Regardless of whether or not Putin is actually responsible for the deaths of these two journalists, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Putin is testing the West’s commitment to freedom and their willingness to capitulate on principles.  Putin has continually shown his indifference to Western interests whether it be in his hostility towards budding democracy in the Ukraine, or the installation of a missile shield in Poland,  or the sale of arms to Iran… and these are but a few examples.  He seems to show no concern for anything other than his own political interests as his recent arrests make obvious.  As Anne Applebaum in Slate lamented, Putin beats up on his political opponents for perhaps no other reason than “because he can“. 

I greatly admire Kasparov for his efforts to promote a free Russian society but lament the circumstances against which he fights–circumstances that perhaps could have been avoid and which at many times seem insurmountable. Despite his brilliant mind and sharp tongue, he must fight against brute power and force… two obstacles his gifts are not particularly well-suited for.  Even so, perhaps the pen will yet again be proven mightier than the sword; only time will tell.

If you want more information on Kasparov’s efforts and information regarding his current imprisonment, I suggest theotherrussia.org.  In addition, please consider making a small donation to support his cause, if you have the resources to do so…

Also, for some great Kasparov entertainment, watch him debate Bill Maher here.