1. Chapter Nine Politics in Russia Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Aim: Is Russia a democracy? What is the rationale in support of it being considered a democracy? What are the arguments against? What is the rationale in support of it being considered a democracy? What are the arguments against?

3. Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

4. Country Bio: Russia Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Ensuring Continuity of Power  2008 Medvedev became President of Russian Federation  Chosen by Putin, manipulated election  Putin stayed on as Prime Minister, only allowed two consecutive terms as President  Tandem leadership creates uncertainty  2012 Putin returned as President and Medvedev as P.M. (six year term)  2008 Medvedev became President of Russian Federation  Chosen by Putin, manipulated election  Putin stayed on as Prime Minister, only allowed two consecutive terms as President  Tandem leadership creates uncertainty  2012 Putin returned as President and Medvedev as P.M. (six year term) Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

6. Current Policy Challenges  Oil revenue up sharply 2000-2008, then plummeted  Russia’s GDP fell 8%  “resource curse” – dependence on windfall from natural resource  Severe demographic crisis  Population is shrinking  Dependent on migrant labor  Oil revenue up sharply 2000-2008, then plummeted  Russia’s GDP fell 8%  “resource curse” – dependence on windfall from natural resource  Severe demographic crisis  Population is shrinking  Dependent on migrant labor Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

7. Historical Legacies  Tsarist Regime: autocracy, absolutism, patrimonialism, Orthodox Christianity  Communist Revolution and Soviet Order  Lenin – 1917 Russian Communist Party  Stalin – 1924 centralized power further  Mikhail Gorbachev – 1985 Reforms: glasnost & perestroika perestroika  Political institutions of the transition period: Demise of the USSR  Political institutions of the transition period: Russia 1990-1993  Tsarist Regime: autocracy, absolutism, patrimonialism, Orthodox Christianity  Communist Revolution and Soviet Order  Lenin – 1917 Russian Communist Party  Stalin – 1924 centralized power further  Mikhail Gorbachev – 1985 Reforms: glasnost & perestroika perestroika  Political institutions of the transition period: Demise of the USSR  Political institutions of the transition period: Russia 1990-1993 Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

9. The Contemporary Constitutional Order  1993 constitution combined elements of presidentialism and parliamentarism  Separation of executive, legislative, judicial branches  Federal division of power between central and regional levels of government  Gave president wide power  1993 constitution combined elements of presidentialism and parliamentarism  Separation of executive, legislative, judicial branches  Federal division of power between central and regional levels of government  Gave president wide power Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

11. The Contemporary Constitutional Order: The Presidency  President appoints prime minister, government  Has right to issue presidential decrees, which have force of law but also limits  Prime minister primarily responsible for economic, social policy  President oversees ministries, other bodies concerned with coercion, law enforcement, state security  President appoints prime minister, government  Has right to issue presidential decrees, which have force of law but also limits  Prime minister primarily responsible for economic, social policy  President oversees ministries, other bodies concerned with coercion, law enforcement, state security Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

12. The Contemporary Constitutional Order: The Presidency  President can dissolve parliament or dismiss government  Head of state, commander-in-chief of armed forces  Security Council – chaired by president  formulates policy in foreign & defense areas  State Council – heads of regional governments  Public Chamber  126 members from civic, sports, artistic, other NGOS  deliberate on matters of public policy Impact – diminishes the role of Parliament  President can dissolve parliament or dismiss government  Head of state, commander-in-chief of armed forces  Security Council – chaired by president  formulates policy in foreign & defense areas  State Council – heads of regional governments  Public Chamber  126 members from civic, sports, artistic, other NGOS  deliberate on matters of public policy Impact – diminishes the role of Parliament Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

13. The Contemporary Constitutional Order: The Government  Senior echelon of leadership in executive branch (P.M., deputy P.M.s and head of ministries and state agencies.  Charged with formulating national policy  economic and social realms  corresponds to Cabinet in Western parliamentary systems  “The government is not party government.” – What does this mean?  Senior echelon of leadership in executive branch (P.M., deputy P.M.s and head of ministries and state agencies.  Charged with formulating national policy  economic and social realms  corresponds to Cabinet in Western parliamentary systems  “The government is not party government.” – What does this mean? Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

14. The Contemporary Constitutional Order: The Parliament  Federal Assembly is bicameral  Lower house: State Duma  Upper house: Federation Council  Legislation originates in Duma  Federal Council can pass, reject, call for formation of agreement commission to iron out differences  Overriding the Federation Council’s rejection or a presidential veto requires two-thirds of the Duma’s vote. (not since 2000)  Federal Assembly is bicameral  Lower house: State Duma  Upper house: Federation Council  Legislation originates in Duma  Federal Council can pass, reject, call for formation of agreement commission to iron out differences  Overriding the Federation Council’s rejection or a presidential veto requires two-thirds of the Duma’s vote. (not since 2000) Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

16. The Contemporary Constitutional Order: The Parliament  When bill clears parliament, goes to president for signature  If president refuses to sign bill, returns to Duma  Duma pass with amendments or override veto with two-thirds vote  Federation Council must approve bill; simple majority if it approves president’s amendments or two-thirds to override president  United Russia’s presence as the largest party has ensured that the Duma is simply a rubber stamp for the executive branch.  When bill clears parliament, goes to president for signature  If president refuses to sign bill, returns to Duma  Duma pass with amendments or override veto with two-thirds vote  Federation Council must approve bill; simple majority if it approves president’s amendments or two-thirds to override president  United Russia’s presence as the largest party has ensured that the Duma is simply a rubber stamp for the executive branch. Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

17. The Judiciary and Law Enforcement  The Procuracy  Comparable to prosecuting attorneys in U.S.  Wide-ranging responsibilities, centralized hierarchy  The Judiciary  Unitary hierarchy: all are federal courts  Supreme Commercial Court is highest appellate court, but has limited powers, cannot challenge the constitutionality of laws or actions of other branches.  Judges nominated by president, confirmed by Federation Council  Trial by jury introduced in the 1990’s (Democratic reform?)  The Bar  Advocates, comparable to defense attorneys in U.S.  The Procuracy  Comparable to prosecuting attorneys in U.S.  Wide-ranging responsibilities, centralized hierarchy  The Judiciary  Unitary hierarchy: all are federal courts  Supreme Commercial Court is highest appellate court, but has limited powers, cannot challenge the constitutionality of laws or actions of other branches.  Judges nominated by president, confirmed by Federation Council  Trial by jury introduced in the 1990’s (Democratic reform?)  The Bar  Advocates, comparable to defense attorneys in U.S. Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

18. The Constitutional Court  1993 Constitution provides for judicial review by C.C.  Has overturned laws passed by National Republics.  Settles disputes between the individuals and state authorities. Reaffirms the sphere of ind. rights  Presidential authority is challenge for court  Central Government and Regions  80% of population ethnically Russian  Ethnic minorities each no more than 4%  Currently has 83 territorial units  republics, districts, provinces, territories, cities  Chechen Republic – Independence declaration led to war  1993 Constitution provides for judicial review by C.C.  Has overturned laws passed by National Republics.  Settles disputes between the individuals and state authorities. Reaffirms the sphere of ind. rights  Presidential authority is challenge for court  Central Government and Regions  80% of population ethnically Russian  Ethnic minorities each no more than 4%  Currently has 83 territorial units  republics, districts, provinces, territories, cities  Chechen Republic – Independence declaration led to war Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

19. Example of Consolidation of Power to President by Putin  Beslan Tragedy – Increased centralization of executive power including the elimination of direct election of governors and allows for presidential nomination of candidate.  New Federal districts established by Presidential Decree, with appointment of presidential rep. to monitor actions of regional governments.  Control of how much freedom by opposition groups  Cries of corruption are common and accepted.  “Hybrid regime that includes elements of democracy with a largely authoritarian framework.” – page 350  Beslan Tragedy – Increased centralization of executive power including the elimination of direct election of governors and allows for presidential nomination of candidate.  New Federal districts established by Presidential Decree, with appointment of presidential rep. to monitor actions of regional governments.  Control of how much freedom by opposition groups  Cries of corruption are common and accepted.  “Hybrid regime that includes elements of democracy with a largely authoritarian framework.” – page 350

20. Russian Political Culture in the Post- Soviet Period  Centuries of autocratic rule  Rapid, uneven improvement in education, living standards  Exposure to Western standards of political life  Contradictory values in contemporary political culture  Sturdy core of democratic values  Firm belief in need for strong state  Disillusionment with democratization, market reforms  Support individual rights, but less so for minorities  Nostalgia for old order  Centuries of autocratic rule  Rapid, uneven improvement in education, living standards  Exposure to Western standards of political life  Contradictory values in contemporary political culture  Sturdy core of democratic values  Firm belief in need for strong state  Disillusionment with democratization, market reforms  Support individual rights, but less so for minorities  Nostalgia for old order Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

22. Russian Political Culture in the Post- Soviet Period  Political socialization (Volunteers to explain)  Education  Orthodox Church  Mass media  Much less subject to direct state control than in Soviet era  Authorities seek to use schools and media to build loyalty to state, leaders  Political socialization (Volunteers to explain)  Education  Orthodox Church  Mass media  Much less subject to direct state control than in Soviet era  Authorities seek to use schools and media to build loyalty to state, leaders Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

24. Political Participation  Importance of social capital  Scarce in Russia  Participation in civic activity extremely limited  Weakness of intermediate associations  Since late 1980s, participation apart from voting saw surge followed by ebb  Not psychologically disengaged or socially isolated  Half Russian population reports reading national newspapers  Vote in high proportions  Prize the right to not participate  Importance of social capital  Scarce in Russia  Participation in civic activity extremely limited  Weakness of intermediate associations  Since late 1980s, participation apart from voting saw surge followed by ebb  Not psychologically disengaged or socially isolated  Half Russian population reports reading national newspapers  Vote in high proportions  Prize the right to not participate Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

25. Political Participation  Elite Recruitment  Institutional process in society by which people gain access to positions of influence, responsibility  Soviet regime: Communist Party nomenklatura  Today, mixture of career types  Elite Recruitment  Institutional process in society by which people gain access to positions of influence, responsibility  Soviet regime: Communist Party nomenklatura  Today, mixture of career types Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

26. Interest Articulation: Between Statism and Pluralism  NGOs (half a million registered, with 25% active)  Elements of corporatism  Three examples of associational groups  Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs  League of Committees of Soldiers’ Mothers  Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia  New Sectors of Interest  Many new associations  More collective action by business, other sectors  More bargaining over details of policy  NGOs (half a million registered, with 25% active)  Elements of corporatism  Three examples of associational groups  Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs  League of Committees of Soldiers’ Mothers  Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia  New Sectors of Interest  Many new associations  More collective action by business, other sectors  More bargaining over details of policy Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

27. Parties and the Aggregation of Interests  Single party system: United Russia  Spectrum of parties holding seats in parliament dwindled  From Multiparty system to Dominant Party Regime  Polarization of Party System: 1980s-90s a two-party system: LDPR & CPRF  Building Party of Power: 1999-2000 Yeltsin successor: Putin  2003-2004 elections: pro-Putin party, Unity, renamed United Russia  2007-208 elections: manipulated elections, disqualified opposition candidates  Single party system: United Russia  Spectrum of parties holding seats in parliament dwindled  From Multiparty system to Dominant Party Regime  Polarization of Party System: 1980s-90s a two-party system: LDPR & CPRF  Building Party of Power: 1999-2000 Yeltsin successor: Putin  2003-2004 elections: pro-Putin party, Unity, renamed United Russia  2007-208 elections: manipulated elections, disqualified opposition candidates Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

32. The Politics of Economic Reform: The Dual Transition  Stabilization: shock therapy  Communism to Capitalism: heavy commitment of resources to military in Soviet Union complicated reform  Privatization  “Loans for shares”  Consequences of privatization  Unsustainable debt trap  No strong institutional framework, no market economy  Social Conditions  Small minority became wealthy in 1990s  High unemployment  Stabilization: shock therapy  Communism to Capitalism: heavy commitment of resources to military in Soviet Union complicated reform  Privatization  “Loans for shares”  Consequences of privatization  Unsustainable debt trap  No strong institutional framework, no market economy  Social Conditions  Small minority became wealthy in 1990s  High unemployment Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

35. Toward the Rule of Law? The Law- Governed State  Gorbachev’s goal: make Soviet Union a law-governed state  Obstacles to Rule of Law  Abuse of legal institutions by political authorities  Corruption  Bribery  Gorbachev’s goal: make Soviet Union a law-governed state  Obstacles to Rule of Law  Abuse of legal institutions by political authorities  Corruption  Bribery Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

37. Russia and the International Community  Has not fully embraced integration into international community  Has not accepted constraints of international law  Expanded military presence in several former Soviet republics  Post-communist transition has been difficult, incomplete  Has not fully embraced integration into international community  Has not accepted constraints of international law  Expanded military presence in several former Soviet republics  Post-communist transition has been difficult, incomplete Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.