US journalist Gregory Feifer visited VU to share his views on Russians’ mentality

Recently Gregory Feifer, GlobalPost European Unit editor and a former Moscow correspondent for National Public Radio visited VU Institute of International Relations and Political Science. Presenting his book, G. Feifer gave a lecture on "Russians: The People behind the Power". US journalist revealed his point of view on the reasons why the Russian population still supports the country's authoritarian leader who has destroyed democracy and has started a new cold war with the West.

Travelling across the world's largest country from the violent North Caucasus to Arctic Siberia, G. Feifer conducted hundreds of private conversations on different questions of life in Russia. He drew attention to the enormous social distinction between the rich elite in Moscow and a number of people living below the poverty line. One may see numerous luxury cars driving in the capital, while Russian villages are disappearing and needless to go to Siberia to see this.

 

Elaborating on the insights of his investigations, G. Feifer proved that much of what appeared inexplicable about the country is logical when seen from the inside.

Gregory Feifer is a former Moscow correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR) who has reported from Russia for almost a decade. Before joining NPR, G. Feifer lived in Paris and New York, and has written for numerous outlets, including The New Republic, The Washington Post and World Policy Journal. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Harvard University and lives in Boston.