The nation ofThe nation of

RUSSIARUSSIATODAYTODAY

Comparative Government Comparative Government PresentationPresentation

By Brian GodfreyBy Brian Godfrey

Understanding GeographyUnderstanding Geography

Largest CountryLargest Country on Earth. on Earth. Many different Many different ethnicitiesethnicities.. Russian FederationRussian Federation = regional/state = regional/state

powers. powers. Very few warm water portsVery few warm water ports. Especially . Especially

during winter, ice makes navigation difficult during winter, ice makes navigation difficult or impossible. Historically, Russia has or impossible. Historically, Russia has aimed to conquer countries that have aimed to conquer countries that have blocked Russian access to the sea.blocked Russian access to the sea.

Many natural resources- including Many natural resources- including oiloil, , gasgas, , and timber. and timber.

Geography Continued…Geography Continued…

Political Map & Neighboring CountriesPolitical Map & Neighboring Countries

Ethnicities – Russia and Surrounding Ethnicities – Russia and Surrounding AreasAreas

Understanding Oil and GasUnderstanding Oil and Gas - - The EU imports almost The EU imports almost half of its natural gas and 30% of its oil from Russia.half of its natural gas and 30% of its oil from Russia.

LegitimacyLegitimacy Historically, based on Historically, based on strong strong

autocratic ruleautocratic rule (tsars all the way to (tsars all the way to dictators)dictators)

Under communist rule, Under communist rule, Marxism-Marxism-LeninismLeninism provided the legitimacy provided the legitimacy base for the party, with its ideology base for the party, with its ideology of of democratic centralism-democratic centralism- rule by few rule by few for the benefit of manyfor the benefit of many

Today, the Constitution of 1993 Today, the Constitution of 1993 represents a Western-style system of represents a Western-style system of legitimacylegitimacy

Historical Influences on Historical Influences on Political TraditionsPolitical Traditions

Absolute, Centralized RuleAbsolute, Centralized Rule- From tsars to - From tsars to Soviets. Necessary to protect against Huns, Soviets. Necessary to protect against Huns, Vikings, Mongols.Vikings, Mongols.

Extensive cultural heterogeneityExtensive cultural heterogeneity-changing -changing border in a vast area=many ethnicities.border in a vast area=many ethnicities.

Slavophile v. WesternizerSlavophile v. Westernizer- “lover of Slavs.” - “lover of Slavs.” Distinctly different culture from that of mainly Distinctly different culture from that of mainly Western Europe.Western Europe.

Revoultions of the 20Revoultions of the 20thth century century- Lenin’s - Lenin’s Bolsheviks seized power in 1917 and communism Bolsheviks seized power in 1917 and communism begins. In 1991, U.S.S.R. dissolves in a second begins. In 1991, U.S.S.R. dissolves in a second revolution, and democracy begins.revolution, and democracy begins.

Political CulturePolitical Culture Russia’s political culture has been shaped by Russia’s political culture has been shaped by

its geographic setting, cultural orientation, its geographic setting, cultural orientation, and confliction attitudes toward the state.and confliction attitudes toward the state.

Geographic SettingGeographic Setting Eastern OrthodoxyEastern Orthodoxy Equality of ResultEquality of Result (contrasted to Equality (contrasted to Equality

of Opportunity)of Opportunity) Skepticism about PowerSkepticism about Power Importance of NationalityImportance of Nationality

Also Lack of Democratic Values, Generational Issues,Also Lack of Democratic Values, Generational Issues,And not a lot of experience with democracyAnd not a lot of experience with democracy

Russian Federation- 1991-Russian Federation- 1991-PresentPresent

The Constitution of 1993 created a 3-branch The Constitution of 1993 created a 3-branch Gov’t, with a Gov’t, with a PresidentPresident, , Prime MinisterPrime Minister, , lower legislature called the lower legislature called the DumaDuma, and a , and a Constitutional Court.Constitutional Court.

YeltsinYeltsin, the first President of Russia, brought , the first President of Russia, brought about reforms, but was somewhat ineffective about reforms, but was somewhat ineffective due to conflicts with the Duma, alcoholism, due to conflicts with the Duma, alcoholism, and persistent illness. He resigned before and persistent illness. He resigned before the 2000 election, making then-Prime the 2000 election, making then-Prime Minister Minister Vladmir PutinVladmir Putin the new President. the new President.

Putin Continued…Putin Continued…

VLADMIR PUTINVLADMIR PUTIN

Many believe he has retreated significantly Many believe he has retreated significantly from the commitments that Yeltsin made for a from the commitments that Yeltsin made for a democratic system.democratic system.

Resigned as President at the end of 2Resigned as President at the end of 2ndnd term, term, but by remaining as Prime Minister, there is but by remaining as Prime Minister, there is little doubt he still controls considerable little doubt he still controls considerable influence in Russia.influence in Russia.

Dmitri Medvedev- President 2008 - Dmitri Medvedev- President 2008 - PresentPresent

United Russia PartyUnited Russia Party Won with more than 70% of the vote Won with more than 70% of the vote

in 2008, as did Putin in 2004.in 2008, as did Putin in 2004.

CleavagesCleavages

Consequently, Russia has “autonomous Consequently, Russia has “autonomous regions” whose borders are based on regions” whose borders are based on ethnicity. ethnicity.

The region of The region of ChechnyaChechnya, primarily Muslim, , primarily Muslim, has fought for years for freedom.has fought for years for freedom.

NationalityNationality:: 80% 80% are Russians- Also are Russians- Also Tatars, Tatars, Ukrainians, Ukrainians, Armenians, Armenians, Chuvashes, Chuvashes, Bashkis, Bashkis, Byelorussians, Byelorussians, Moldavians.Moldavians.

Cleavages Cont.Cleavages Cont.ReligionReligion Tsarist Russia all ‘Russian Orthodox’Tsarist Russia all ‘Russian Orthodox’ U.S.S.R. prohibited religious practicesU.S.S.R. prohibited religious practices Yeltsin encouraged reestablishment of Yeltsin encouraged reestablishment of

Russian Orthodox ChurchRussian Orthodox Church Today, very few citizens attend Russian Today, very few citizens attend Russian

Orthodox services—a legacy of Soviet Rule.Orthodox services—a legacy of Soviet Rule. No clear conflict between religious v. No clear conflict between religious v.

nonreligious todaynonreligious today Also Catholics, Jews, ProtestantsAlso Catholics, Jews, Protestants Rapid rise in Islam!Rapid rise in Islam!

Cleavages Cont.Cleavages Cont.Social ClassSocial Class Classes Substantially destroyed Classes Substantially destroyed

during Soviet Eraduring Soviet Era There was formerly a cleavage There was formerly a cleavage

between communist party members between communist party members and non-members.and non-members.

Russia is still today more egalitarianRussia is still today more egalitarian Today, a new socio-economic class of Today, a new socio-economic class of

entrepreneurs is developing: newly entrepreneurs is developing: newly wealthy Russians.wealthy Russians.

Cleavages Cont.Cleavages Cont.Rural / Urban conflictRural / Urban conflict About 73% of all Russians live in About 73% of all Russians live in

citiescities City dwellers more likely to be City dwellers more likely to be

educated and in touch with western educated and in touch with western culture, and generally are better off culture, and generally are better off financiallyfinancially

BELIEFS AND ATTITUDESBELIEFS AND ATTITUDES Mistrust of GovernmentMistrust of Government-- Low levels of Low levels of

participation in interest groups, unions, etc.! participation in interest groups, unions, etc.! Although there is a high level of approval for Although there is a high level of approval for Putin, most Russian officials have considerably Putin, most Russian officials have considerably low popularity.low popularity.

StatismStatism- - Russian citizens still expect the state Russian citizens still expect the state to take an active role in their lives.to take an active role in their lives.

Economic beliefsEconomic beliefs-- Most Russians support Most Russians support economic reform. However, the divide between economic reform. However, the divide between rapid / significant privatization and reform is rapid / significant privatization and reform is wide. wide.

WesternizationWesternization-- Divided concept. Some favor Divided concept. Some favor nationalism and a conservative state, while nationalism and a conservative state, while others favor reform and “Westernization” others favor reform and “Westernization” (integration into int’l world & trade).(integration into int’l world & trade).

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation

During Soviet Era: voting near 100% During Soviet Era: voting near 100% because it was forced.because it was forced.

With 2008 economic crisis: there is With 2008 economic crisis: there is much dissatisfaction with current gov’t much dissatisfaction with current gov’t (as in the U.S.)(as in the U.S.)

Since 1991 voter turnout rates in Since 1991 voter turnout rates in Russia have been higher than the Russia have been higher than the United States!United States!

Turnout in presidential election of Turnout in presidential election of 2008 was almost 70%.2008 was almost 70%.

Civil SocietyCivil Society

Other than voting, political participation Other than voting, political participation is is low.low.

Relatively undevelopedRelatively undeveloped civil society civil society Only about Only about 1%1% report belonging to a report belonging to a

party. Few attend church, clubs, party. Few attend church, clubs, charitable org’s, etc.charitable org’s, etc.

Since Gorbachev’s Since Gorbachev’s glasnostglasnost, civil society , civil society has been allowed to emerge, albeit has been allowed to emerge, albeit slowly.slowly.

Soviets used Soviets used state corporatiststate corporatist approach. approach.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Current parties, elections, and institutions of Current parties, elections, and institutions of

gov’t are all new, fluid, and likely to change. gov’t are all new, fluid, and likely to change. (Russia only since 1990’s!) Though gov’t and (Russia only since 1990’s!) Though gov’t and politics are beginning to settle in.politics are beginning to settle in.

Russia is a Federation with strong central Russia is a Federation with strong central powerpower

89 Regions, 21 are ethnically non-Russian by 89 Regions, 21 are ethnically non-Russian by majoritymajority

Some regions are much stronger than others, Some regions are much stronger than others, so power is devolved unequally across the so power is devolved unequally across the country, a condition called country, a condition called asymmetric asymmetric federalismfederalism..

PartiesParties

United RussiaUnited Russia (pro-Putin) (pro-Putin) The Communist Party The Communist Party of the Russian Federation of the Russian Federation

(CPRF)(CPRF)

Liberal DemocratsLiberal Democrats Fair RussiaFair Russia

Yabloko (reformist)Yabloko (reformist) Union of Right Forces (reformist)Union of Right Forces (reformist)

Duma Duma Elections of 2007…Elections of 2007…

Duma Legislature Elections of Duma Legislature Elections of 20072007

United Russia-United Russia- 315 Seats, 70% of 315 Seats, 70% of seats.seats.

Communist Party- 57 Seats, 12.7% of Communist Party- 57 Seats, 12.7% of seats.seats.

Liberal Dems- 40 Seats, 8.9%Liberal Dems- 40 Seats, 8.9% Fair Russia- 38 Seats, 8.4%Fair Russia- 38 Seats, 8.4%

All other parties- 0 SeatsAll other parties- 0 Seats

ElectionsElections ReferendumReferendum Duma ElectionsDuma Elections Presidential ElectionsPresidential Elections

Interest Groups & State Interest Groups & State CorporatismCorporatism

Much of Russia’s megawealthy control Much of Russia’s megawealthy control the country, they are the the country, they are the OligarchyOligarchy. . Through various means they Through various means they control/own media outlets, newspapers, control/own media outlets, newspapers, politicians, etc. They have considerable politicians, etc. They have considerable influence in Russian policymaking.influence in Russian policymaking.

Putin has resisted the Oligarchy Putin has resisted the Oligarchy somewhat: in 2003 Mikhail Khodorvsky, somewhat: in 2003 Mikhail Khodorvsky, the richest man in Russia, CEO of Yukos the richest man in Russia, CEO of Yukos Oil Company, was arrested.Oil Company, was arrested.

Continued on next slide…Continued on next slide…

Interest Groups & State Interest Groups & State CorporatismCorporatism

Medvedev was Chairman of Medvedev was Chairman of GazpromGazprom (natural (natural gas) before President of Russia. Gazprom is gas) before President of Russia. Gazprom is mostly controlled by Russian Gov’t.mostly controlled by Russian Gov’t.

Under Putin’s leadership state corporatism has Under Putin’s leadership state corporatism has become well established.become well established.

State-owned automobile, aircraft, shipbuilding, State-owned automobile, aircraft, shipbuilding, nuclear power, diamonds, and other industriesnuclear power, diamonds, and other industries

Either gov’t controlled companies or Putin-loyal Either gov’t controlled companies or Putin-loyal companies are the beneficiaries- This is an companies are the beneficiaries- This is an arrangement known as arrangement known as insider privatizationinsider privatization..

Russian Mafia = large and in charge!Russian Mafia = large and in charge!

The President and Prime The President and Prime MinisterMinister

Head of State (Prez) Head of Gov’t (PM)Head of State (Prez) Head of Gov’t (PM) While Putin President, the position While Putin President, the position

became substantially more dominant.became substantially more dominant. Now that Putin is PM, the relationship is Now that Putin is PM, the relationship is

changing again. changing again.

Continued…Continued…

President has the Power to:President has the Power to: Appoint the Prime Minister and Appoint the Prime Minister and

cabinetcabinet Issue decrees that have the force of Issue decrees that have the force of

lawlaw Dissolve the DumaDissolve the Duma

VERY STRONG EXECUTIVEVERY STRONG EXECUTIVE

LegislatureLegislature

Weak check on Executive PowerWeak check on Executive Power Lower house, Duma – 450 by Lower house, Duma – 450 by

proportional representation. Very proportional representation. Very weak body.weak body.

Upper house, Federation Council – 2 Upper house, Federation Council – 2 members of each of 89 federal units members of each of 89 federal units (like our Senate) mainly has the (like our Senate) mainly has the power to delay legislation.power to delay legislation.

JudiciaryJudiciary

Constitutional Court Constitutional Court 19 Members, appointed by President19 Members, appointed by President Didn’t cross PutinDidn’t cross Putin Many attorneys were trained under Many attorneys were trained under

Soviet rule, meaning a lack of Soviet rule, meaning a lack of expertise makes carrying out the expertise makes carrying out the responsibilities of Constitution responsibilities of Constitution difficultdifficult

EconomyEconomy Issue: how much of the centralized planning Issue: how much of the centralized planning

economy should be eliminated, and how economy should be eliminated, and how should the market economy be handled?should the market economy be handled?

Between 1997 and 2007 Russian economy Between 1997 and 2007 Russian economy steadily improved, but suffered when oil steadily improved, but suffered when oil prices plummeted in 2008.prices plummeted in 2008.

Today Russia’s economy fueled by its huge Today Russia’s economy fueled by its huge oil and gas reserves, by mostly state oil and gas reserves, by mostly state run/owned corporations.run/owned corporations.

Medvedev is aiming to diversify economy Medvedev is aiming to diversify economy and improve infrastructure, innovation, and improve infrastructure, innovation, investment, etc.investment, etc.

THE ENDTHE END