Russian Politics

Historical Background

• The USSR collapsed in 1991, marking the end of communist rule and the start of a transition to a market-based economy, resulting in the formation of the Russian Federation
• Boris Yeltsin, Russia's first president from 1991 to 1999, implemented "shock therapy" reforms involving rapid privatization, which led to inflation and economic disparity and the rise of oligarchs who gained control of previously state-owned industries
• Vladimir Putin has been in power since 2000 and has centralized power, rolled back democratic reforms, expanded executive authority, and suppressed opposition

Political System

• Russia is an illiberal democracy or hybrid regime, featuring formal democratic structures but authoritarian practices
• The 1993 constitution established a semi-presidential system with a strong executive branch
• Russia has a federal structure consisting of 85 federal subjects; some regions, like Chechnya, possess more autonomy than others, which is known as asymmetric federalism

Institutions of Government

Executive Branch

• The President is the head of state and most powerful political figure, directly elected for a six-year term that is renewable
• The President's powers include appointing the Prime Minister with Duma approval, issuing decrees with the force of law, commanding the armed forces, and influencing policy
• The Prime Minister is the head of government, focusing on the economy and domestic issues, and is subordinate to the President

Legislature

• Russia's legislature is the bicameral Federal Assembly consisting of the State Duma (lower house)
• The State Duma has 450 members elected via a mixed system and is responsible for passing laws, approving the Prime Minister, and initiating impeachment
• The Federation Council (upper house) members are appointed by regional governors and legislatures
• The Federation Council approves presidential decrees and treaties

Judiciary

• The Constitutional Court has 19 judges appointed by the President and confirmed by the Federation Council, possessing the power of judicial review but lacking independence
• The Supreme Court handles civil, criminal, and administrative cases

Military and Security

• The military and intelligence services play a significant role in politics
• There are close ties between the security sector and Putin’s administration

Political Culture

• There are authoritarian tendencies, like a preference for strong, centralized leadership
• Patriotism and nationalism emphasize Russia as a global power
• There is distrust of the West because of the legacy of the Cold War and opposition to NATO/EU expansion
• State-controlled media limits press freedom

Political Parties and Elections

• United Russia is the dominant party supporting Putin and controls most legislative seats and regional governments
• Opposition parties are weak and repressed, like the Communist Party (KPRF) and the Liberal Democratic Party
• Presidential and parliamentary elections are criticized for fraud, voter suppression, and lack of competition

Public Policy and Issues

• The economic policy relies on oil and gas exports but suffers from corruption, inequality, and the impact of Western sanctions after the annexation of Crimea in 2014
• Social policy includes restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights and control over NGOs via the “foreign agents” law
• Foreign policy involves an assertive global stance, annexing Crimea in 2014, military intervention in Syria, and strategic partnerships with China while opposing NATO expansion

Key Concepts for Comparison

• Regime Type: Russia is an illiberal democracy, unlike fully democratic or authoritarian regimes
• Economic Transition: Russia's market transition can be contrasted with China’s gradual reforms
• Civil Society: Russia has a weak civil society due to state repression
• Federalism compares asymmetric federalism vis-a-vis unitary or federal systems in other countries
• Media Control in Russia with state-controlled media can be contrasted with free press in democratic regimes

Important Terms

• Shock Therapy: Rapid privatization and economic reforms after the collapse of the USSR
• Oligarchs: Wealthy individuals who gained control of previously state-owned industries
• Illiberal Democracy: A system with formal democratic structures but authoritarian practices
• Managed Democracy: A system where elections are manipulated to favor the ruling power
• Asymmetric Federalism: Some regions have more autonomy than others
• Hybrid Regime: A political system that combines elements of democracy and authoritarianism
• Siloviki: Former security officials in government

Overview of Russian politics, including the collapse of the USSR, the Yeltsin era and Putin's rise. Focus on the current political system and the distribution of power among different branches and regions.