In most of the former empire, Russian language and culture are still in headlong retreat.

ECONOMIST: The Finno-Ugrics

Mr Heinapuu and his colleagues try to bolster their kinsfolk's language and culture and highlight Russian chauvinism.

ECONOMIST: The Finno-Ugrics

Or can it become a multinational country where Russian just happens to be the main language and culture, but where Tatars, Kalmyks, and others, who make up more than a sixth of the population, can feel equally at home and respected like, say, Latinos in America or the Swedish minority in Finland?

ECONOMIST: How free is free?

Most Russian-speakers fear they will fail the language and culture exam, which remains in place under the new law.

ECONOMIST: Latvia votes for Europe