Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Exploring Controversial Russian Laws Russia is a country steeped in rich culture and history, but it is also known for its controversial laws. From limits on protests to restrictions on foreign organizations, there is no shortage of restrictions on civil liberties and other aspects of life in Russia. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most controversial laws in Russia and the impact they have on its citizens. One of the most commonly discussed laws in Russia is the protest law. This law, which was signed into effect in 2012, severely restricts the ability of citizens to protest. Under the law, any protests that are not sanctioned by the government must provide advance notice, no more than 30 days before, and even then the only areas allowed for these protests are specified by the government. The law also requires that any protest must not interfere with other activities, such as those involving government institutions. This law has been very controversial, as it is...

Exploring the Effects of Soviet Collectivism What impact did Soviet collectivism have on the people of Russia during and after the Soviet era? This is a question that historians and contemporary thinkers alike have sought to answer. The Soviet Union prided itself on its collectivism, which began to take root in the late 1920s and extended until its dissolution. Under collectivism, people of a particular social class were expected to be more loyal to the collective than to one another, and to operate within the constraints provided by the government in order to foster a sense of unity and mutual purpose. Yet, despite the apparent idealism of collectivism, its application came with significant implications and drawbacks. Where collectivism emphasized social organization and equality, it also had the affect of totalitarian rule and a lack of individual autonomy. Furthermore, collectivism could foster a sense of apathy amongst people, forcing them to submit to their fate under the prevai...