In 2014 when we visited St. Petersburg, Russia’s political landscape was dominated by President Vladimir Putin’s increasingly authoritarian rule, supported by a cadre of wealthy oligarchs who had amassed vast fortunes during the chaotic privatization of state assets following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The oligarchs, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, had acquired control over much of Russia’s economic resources, including major industries, natural resources, and media outlets. By 2014, they had formed a symbiotic relationship with Putin’s regime, providing financial and political support in exchange for continued access to lucrative state contracts and protection from legal scrutiny[4][8].

While Russia nominally maintained some trappings of a liberal democracy, the reality for most citizens was far different. The government had systematically eroded civil liberties and democratic institutions, leaving the population to navigate a complex system that offered limited freedoms without the crucial safeguards found in true democracies[1][6].

Press freedom had deteriorated significantly, with the government exerting control over most media outlets. Independent journalists faced intimidation, violence, and legal persecution, leading many to self-censor or flee the country[8]. The internet, once a relatively free space for expression, was increasingly subject to government censorship and surveillance[8].

Despite these challenges, St. Petersburg in 2014 still retained much of its historic charm and cultural vibrancy. As Russia’s cultural capital and “window to the West,” the city offered visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history and artistic heritage[9][10]. The stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife continued to draw tourists from around the world.

However, visitors to St. Petersburg in 2014 would have encountered a city grappling with the tensions of modern Russia. While enjoying the city’s beauty and cultural offerings, they might have sensed an undercurrent of political unease and economic uncertainty. The contrast between the opulent lifestyles of the oligarchs and the struggles of ordinary citizens would have been apparent, reflecting the broader inequalities in Russian society[7].

In this environment, tourists would have experienced a city striving to maintain its cosmopolitan character while operating under the constraints of an increasingly repressive political system. The atmosphere in St. Petersburg, like much of Russia in 2014, was a complex mix of historical grandeur, cultural richness, and the stark realities of life in Putin’s Russia.

The following PDF provides a summary and commentary of some of my best photos from that visit.

Citations:
[1] https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/russia
[2] https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0338
[3] https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/03/29/1088886554/how-putin-conquered-russias-oligarchy
[4] https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/03/22/1087654279/how-shock-therapy-created-russian-oligarchs-and-paved-the-path-for-putin
[5] https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/insights/meet-russias-oligarchs-group-men-who-wont-be-toppling-putin-anytime-soon
[6] https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/236782.pdf
[7] https://freedomhouse.org/report/special-report/2015/human-rights-abuses-russian-occupied-crimea
[8] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/russia-putin-press-freedom-independent-news/
[9] https://engineerontour.com/category/travel/russia/st-petersburg/
[10] https://theindependenttourist.net/2014/12/25/visiting-st-petersburg-russia/
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_oligarchs