Please select one of the topics below and write a 5 page research paper. I am not looking for a 5-page description of an event or a particular issue. The paper must cite and incorporate at least 3 reputable sources (please note that wikipedia articles do not constitute an acceptable source). Do not just copy and past from other paper.

1.september 8, 2019 elections in Moscow: protests, police brutality, and implications for Putin’s reelection in 2024.

2.Kirill Serebrennikov and “Gogol Center:” why was Serebrennikov arrested? What’s the status of his case now?

3.The 2019 Khachaturyan sisters case and the issue of domestic (and sexual) violence in Russia.

4.Ivan Golunov’s case: why was Golunov arrested? What’s the status of his case now?

5.HBO’s 2019 mini-series “Chernobyl.” Watch one (or more!) of the series episodes and discuss what new information (if any) you learnt from the series and how the material you studied in RUS 375 helped you understand the series better. Keep in mind that, if you choose this topic, the use of three sources remains a requirement – consider using reputable film criticism or information on the making of the series.

6.In 2016 the then director of national intelligence James Clapper stated the following: “’Putin is the first leader since Stalin to expand Russia’s territory.” Discuss if this statement is indeed true and how Putin has expanded Russia’s territory.

7.A topic for all of you interested in US and international politics. What opinions have 2020 US presidential candidates expressed on Russia? If you choose this topic, make sure to tie your research into broader issues we have discussed in this class.