Liberating software

­Richard Stallman – Software Freedom Activist

The computer world is divided in two confronting camps with two totally different philosophies. On the one side are companies that sell programs to make money. On the other are people who believe software must be totally free. Generally paid software dominates, so why don't more people go for the free alternative. And what does that mean for...

Knocking on the WTO's door

Pascal Lamy – Director-General, WTO
Russia’s will formally be invited to join the WTO in a matter of days. It’s been a really long and winding journey, which began even before the world trade body was created. Both Moscow and member-states have had to make compromises to get a final agreement. So will it be worth it? What will change when Russia officially becomes a member? What advantages can...

Social networking: empowering people

­Scott Goodstein – External Online Director, Obama 2008 Campaign
Social networking has become so much more than mere entertainment.
With billions of people online every day, the internet has turned out to be the perfect means of direct contact.
Whatever you want – a revolution or a presidential campaign – dozens of social networks are at your service.
It’s a great technological...

Dusk of Soviet Era

­Jack Matlock – US Ambassador to the USSR, 1987-1991
It’s been 20 years since one of the two world superpowers disappeared from the map.
The Soviet Union collapsed into 15 sovereign states, opening a new era in global politics.
The Cold War may have ended, but Russia–US relations were still far from easy, although Moscow’s approach to its former rival became considerably more friendly...

Soviet economic collapse: 20 years on

­Viktor Gerashchenko – Head, USSR State Bank, 1989-1991

The collapse of the Soviet superpower pushed the whole world into a new era. Many experts say the crash was inevitable, as the country faced a severe economic crisis in the late ‘80s. But others think the situation was not as bleak as has been portrayed, and believe the downturn was masterminded by the foes of the USSR. What is the...

State Duma election: Casting the ballots

­Vyacheslav Nikonov – political scientist

On Sunday the people’s will was expressed. Almost all the votes have now been counted and although the final figures have yet to be announced, the result is clear. United Russia remains the strongest party in parliament, but it has lost its constitutional majority. So from now on it may have to seek support from one of the opposition parties. Is...

Is a new wave of recession looming?

­Odd Per Brekk – Senior Resident Representative in Russia, IMF

Many economists say a second recession is just a matter of time, as eurozone debts, currency instability and market meltdown won’t go away. In Russia, different views on how to support the ruble are causing fierce debate between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank. So what should we be prepared for? And what’s the view...

AIDS: Towards prevention revolution

­Michel Sidibe – Executive Director, UNAIDS

HIV/AIDS poses one of the biggest threats to the collective well-being of mankind. Researchers have been trying to find a cure for more than two decades. Much progress has been made in slowing infection and treating the effects, but there is still no vaccination or outright cure. But is that about to change? Here’s Executive Director of the...

Election campaign: United Russia party

­Andrey Vorobyov – Head, United Russia Executive Committee

Seven parties are vying for seats in the State Duma – the lower chamber of the Russian Parliament. For the first time ever, MPs will be elected for five years instead of four, raising the stakes in the election campaign. The general election is planned for December 4th and as the campaign unfolds, Spotlight will give you an...

Election campaign: Communist Party

­Gennady Zyuganov – Leader, Communist Party

On December 4th, Russia is voting for the candidates to the State Duma – the lower chamber of Parliament. Seven parties are campaigning for the 450 seats. This time the rules are different, as under the new law the MP's term in office will be five years instead of four. Over the course of the campaign, Spotlight gives you an opportunity to hear...