Failure of governance, corruption and rule of law

Question 1

How can the political regime in Russia in 2024 be classified?

Answer 1

The regime is a closed autocracy characterized by the destruction of opposition, lack of independent media, and prohibition of anti-war positions.

Question 2

What role do elections play in Putin’s regime?

Answer 2

Elections serve as tools to monitor elites, legitimize the regime, and ensure control through manipulated outcomes, as seen with Putin’s 87% victory in 2024.

Question 3

What is the role of propaganda in Russia’s political system?

Answer 3

Propaganda is central to maintaining public support, shaping narratives, and silencing dissent.

Question 4

Is the Russian regime ideological? Why or why not?

Answer 4

The regime is not strictly ideological but relies on nationalism, historical narratives, and authoritarian control to maintain power. Instead it’s a autocracy that focuses more on patron-client networks

Question 5

What is the role of oligarchs in post-Soviet states?

Answer 5

Oligarchs consolidate economic and political power, shaping governance through informal networks and fostering corruption.

Question 6

How do political leaders interact with formal institutions in post-Soviet states?

Answer 6

Political leaders often co-opt or bypass formal institutions, using them as façades to legitimize their informal power structures.

Question 7

What is neopatrimonialism, and how does it apply to post-Soviet states?

Answer 7

Neopatrimonialism refers to governance where personalistic and informal networks dominate formal institutions, often leading to authoritarian resilience.

Question 8

What are key features of electoral autocracy in Russia?

Answer 8

Features include elections as tools to monitor elites and legitimize the regime, an uneven playing field, and manipulation strategies such as media control and voter suppression.

Question 9

What is the role of the United Russia party in the political system?

Answer 9

United Russia functions as the party of power, controlled by the presidential administration, ensuring regime loyalty and legislative dominance.

Question 10

What is the patronal pyramid, and how does it function in Russia?

Answer 10

The patronal pyramid, as described by Hale (2015), is a hierarchy of loyalty and patron-client relationships where power is concentrated at the top, often with Putin.

Question 11

What is sistema, and what role does it play in Russian governance?

Answer 11

Sistema, as described by Ledeneva (2013), is an informal system of governance characterized by networks of influence, rent-seeking, and excessive loyalty to superiors.

Question 12

What are the factions within Russia’s elite, and how do they influence governance?

Answer 12

Siloviki: These are former or current security and military officials who hold significant power. They often prioritize strong state control and are seen as supportive of Vladimir Putin’s leadership.

Oligarchs: Wealthy businesspeople who control large sectors of the economy. They have influence over politics, but their power is often tied to their relationship with the state.

Technocrats: Experts in various fields (economy, technology, etc.) who manage key aspects of governance. They tend to focus on practical, non-ideological policy-making.

Liberals: Small faction that advocate for democratic redorms

Question 13

What was the “2008 problem” in Russian politics?

Answer 13

The “2008 problem” in Russian politics was a case of lame-duck syndrome, where Vladimir Putin’s presidency faced uncertainty as his second term ended and the constitution barred him from running for a third consecutive term. This created instability and speculation about the future of leadership and policy continuity in Russia. The situation was resolved with Medvedev becoming president while Putin assumed the role of prime minister. This arrangement ensured Putin’s continued influence but highlighted the challenges of leadership transitions in an authoritarian system.

Question 14

What characterized Russian politics during 2012-2014?

Answer 14

The period saw Putin’s re-election with 64%, a conservative turn, a crackdown on dissent, and key events like the Pussy Riot trial, anti-LGBTQ laws, and the Sochi Olympics.

Question 15

What was the significance of the 2011 Duma election?

Answer 15

The election was marred by mass fraud, declining support for United Russia, and public dissatisfaction with Putin’s return to power.

Question 16

What were key developments in Russia’s foreign and domestic policies after 2014?

Answer 16

Developments included securitization of historical politics, increasing autocracy, constitutional reforms in 2020, and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Question 17

What is patronalism (patron-client), and how does it affect politics in post-Soviet states?

Answer 17

In post-Soviet Eurasia, powerful patrons (influential leaders) have clients (loyal followers) who depend on them for resources, protection, or positions of power. Patrons control these networks, distributing benefits and using coercion to maintain loyalty. These networks can be hierarchical, with clients supporting their patron in exchange for rewards.

Question 18

What is the role of siloviki in patronal politics?

Answer 18

Siloviki are powerful figures in security, military, and law enforcement. In patronal politics, they are often loyal to the ruling elite and help maintain control by using their coercive power. They play a key role in enforcing loyalty and managing conflicts within the political system.

Question 19

What role do giant politicized corporate conglomerates play in post-Soviet politics?

Answer 19

In post-Soviet politics, giant corporate conglomerates often hold significant political power. They control vast resources and influence, and their leaders can form close ties with the government. These conglomerates can affect policy decisions, as their leaders use their wealth and connections to secure favorable conditions for their businesses.

Question 20

What is the difference between single and multiple competing patronal pyramids?

Answer 20

A single patronal pyramid means that all power and resources are controlled by one dominant patron or group, with little competition. Multiple competing pyramids occur when several patrons control different networks and compete for influence and resources. A single pyramid is easier to control but more prone to internal conflict, while multiple pyramids create a more fragmented and unstable political environment.

Question 21

How do branches of the state with coercive power impact post-Soviet governance?

Answer 21

Branches of the state with coercive power, like the military or police, play a significant role in post-Soviet governance. They have the ability to control or influence citizens through force, and their loyalty is crucial for maintaining political control. The state’s ability to use coercion often helps preserve power for the ruling elite, making it harder for opposition to challenge the regime.

Question 22

How did political machines emerge in the post-Soviet states in the 1990s?

Answer 22

Political machines in post-Soviet states emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as reforms created new opportunities for political influence. These machines are informal networks that use patronage and control over resources to maintain political power. They often rely on loyalty and favors to maintain influence in local politics.

Question 23

What does “Rule by law, not rule of law” ?

Answer 23

“Rule by law, not rule of law” means that in authoritarian systems, laws are used as tools by those in power to maintain control, rather than ensuring fairness and justice for everyone.

Hegemonic/dominant parties may manipulate the law to stay continuously in power in electoral autocracy, where as in democratic autocracy ruling parties has to go by the rule of law.