
Decentralized Social Media Finds A Foothold
Companies may face too many options for brand messaging.
RUSSIA
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Dmitry Medvedev |
A government shakeup in mid-February elevated defense minister Sergei Ivanov to the same rank as Dmitry Medvedev, the first deputy prime minister, heightening the competition between the two most likely successors to president Vladimir Putin (see feature, page 42). Ivanov was relieved of his defense responsibilities, which will enable him to distance himself from public criticism surrounding hazing in the military and the lack of progress with reform. With elections just a year away, Putin has avoided lame duck status by keeping the competition to succeed him tight and uncertain—while ensuring the loyalty of potential successors by keeping to himself his personal preferences, which would play a key role in influencing the outcome of the elections.
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Sergei Ivanov |
Kim Iskyan