Regime types in Russia Flashcards
According to Vladimir Gel’man, what is electoral authoritarianism?
Electoral authoritarianism is a regime type that combines formal democratic institutions with authoritarian practices, characterized by manipulated elections, restricted political competition, and limited civil liberties.
It emerged under Vladimir Putin in the early 2000s when the government consolidated power, curtailed opposition, and used state resources to ensure electoral victories while maintaining a democratic facade.
According to Vladimir Gel’man, what challenges did electoral authoritarianism face after 2011 and how did the government respond?
In 2011-2012, many Russians protested against election fraud, demanding fairer elections. The government cracked down on the protests by arresting activists, controlling the media, and further restricting political freedoms. This marked a shift toward more autocratic rule under Putin, with less space for opposition.
According to Vladimir Gel’man, what strategies did the Russian regime use to control political competition?
- Propaganda: Controlling media narratives
- Repression: Suppressing dissent
- Co-optation of potential challengers
- Using security forces and courts to stay in power.
According to Vladimir Gel’man, what are the future prospects for electoral authoritarianism in Russia?
While the regime has adapted to maintain control, ongoing pressures could lead to significant political changes in the future.
What were the main elements of Yeltsin’s reforms in the early 1990s?
Yeltsin’s reforms included price liberalization, financial stabilization efforts, privatization of state enterprises, and “loans-for-shares” schemes that led to the rise of oligarchs.
What were the consequences of Yeltsin’s shock therapy?
Consequences included skyrocketing prices, loss of savings, high unemployment (20-40%), increased crime rates, and significant inequality due to the rapid restructuring of the economy.
What led to the 1993 political crisis in Russia?
The 1993 political crisis in Russia was a power struggle between President Yeltsin, who wanted to push reforms and increase his authority, and the conservative parliament, which opposed him. The conflict escalated when Yeltsin tried to dissolve the parliament, leading to violent clashes in Moscow. The military intervened on Yeltsin’s side, defeating the parliament, resulting the eventual adoption of a new ‘superpresidential’ constitution = ‘defective democracy’.
What key features define the 1993 Russian Constitution?
It established a “super-presidential” system, granting the president significant powers over the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. It also introduced federal structures and formalized human and property rights. Defective democracy
How did the “loans-for-shares” scheme of the mid-1990s impact Russian society?
It concentrated wealth in the hands of a few well-connected businessmen (oligarchs), created significant economic inequality, and contributed to public perceptions of injustice.
What were the economic and political consequences of the 1998 Russian financial crisis?
The crisis led to a collapse in government finances, a sharp decline in living standards, and the end of liberal reforms. However, it marked the beginning of economic recovery in subsequent years.
How does Putin use elections to support his rule in Russia?
Putin uses elections to show that his regime is legitimate, but these elections are not fair. The playing field is uneven, with opposition facing restrictions, and Putin’s team manipulates the process to ensure their victory. This helps monitor the elite and keep control, making the regime seem democratic while actually being authoritarian.
What is meant by “menu of manipulation” in Putin’s electoral system?
The “menu of manipulation” refers to the various ways Putin’s government controls elections. This includes controlling the media, silencing opposition, and manipulating vote counts to make sure the outcome benefits him and his allies, while giving the illusion of a fair election.
What are key characteristics of the post-2014 Russian regime?
The regime increasingly resembled a closed autocracy, marked by severe restrictions on opposition, media control, the securitization of politics, and foreign policy activism despite a weak economy.
What role did federalism play in the Russian political system during the 1990s?
Federalism allowed regions, particularly republics like Tatarstan and Chechnya, to adopt their own constitutions and symbols, but attempts at independence, such as in Chechnya, led to violent conflicts.
How did the two Chechen wars affect Russia’s political and social landscape?
The wars caused massive civilian casualties, devastation of infrastructure, and a shift toward authoritarian control under Putin, who centralized authority and established direct rule in Chechnya by 2000.
