Russian Political Culture & What Russian Political Culture & What Russians Quarrel AboutRussians Quarrel About

Political CulturePolitical Culture

Equality of ResultEquality of Result Communist regime instilled in Russian people Communist regime instilled in Russian people

an appreciation for equalityan appreciation for equality Russian egalitarianism has survived fall of Russian egalitarianism has survived fall of

USSR; most Russians resent differences of USSR; most Russians resent differences of wealth or income wealth or income ““equality of result”equality of result”

Different from “equality of opportunity”, which Different from “equality of opportunity”, which sees getting ahead as sign of initiative hard sees getting ahead as sign of initiative hard work, talentwork, talent As result – Russian political culture not particularly As result – Russian political culture not particularly

conducive to development of capitalismconducive to development of capitalism

Skepticism about PowerSkepticism about Power Despite dependence on gov’t – can be hostile Despite dependence on gov’t – can be hostile

toward particular leadershiptoward particular leadership i.e. i.e. glasnostglasnost under Gorbachev in the 1980s under Gorbachev in the 1980s

He received complaints from citizens that likely ultimately He received complaints from citizens that likely ultimately helped lead to the break up of USSRhelped lead to the break up of USSR

Surveys today show citizens have little faith in Surveys today show citizens have little faith in political systempolitical system Have more faith in Putin than in other leaders or Have more faith in Putin than in other leaders or

institutionsinstitutions Putin’s approval rating stayed between 70 & 80 % Putin’s approval rating stayed between 70 & 80 %

Also have little faith in nongovernmental leaders: Also have little faith in nongovernmental leaders: entrepreneurs, bankers, media personalitiesentrepreneurs, bankers, media personalities

Importance of NationalityImportance of Nationality Cultural heterogeneity traditional characteristic of Cultural heterogeneity traditional characteristic of

Russian political culture Russian political culture Tend to categorize others based on their nationalities Tend to categorize others based on their nationalities

“otherizing” them “otherizing” them Discriminate against groups based on long-held stereotypesDiscriminate against groups based on long-held stereotypes

Admire the civility of the BritishAdmire the civility of the British Disdain for Muslim-Turkic people of Central AsiaDisdain for Muslim-Turkic people of Central Asia

In return: gov’ts in those areas have passed laws discouraging In return: gov’ts in those areas have passed laws discouraging Russians from remaining w/in their bordersRussians from remaining w/in their borders

Anti-Semitism was strong in tsarist RussiaAnti-Semitism was strong in tsarist Russia Today, some nationalists blame Jews for current problemsToday, some nationalists blame Jews for current problems

Voting PatternsVoting Patterns Russians Russians diddid vote during Soviet rule vote during Soviet rule

Voting rate close to 100% b/c faced serious consequences if Voting rate close to 100% b/c faced serious consequences if didn’t participatedidn’t participate

But until Gorbachev (1985-1991), elections not competitive & But until Gorbachev (1985-1991), elections not competitive & citizens voted for candidates that were hand picked by citizens voted for candidates that were hand picked by Communist leadershipCommunist leadership

Gorbachev created Gorbachev created competitive electionscompetitive elections in USSR, but b/c in USSR, but b/c no alternate political parties existed yet, voter choice limited no alternate political parties existed yet, voter choice limited to designated party candidate vs anyone from w/in the party to designated party candidate vs anyone from w/in the party that wanted to challenge official candidatethat wanted to challenge official candidate In some cases this was significant: In some cases this was significant: Boris YeltsinBoris Yeltsin elected as an elected as an

“alternate candidate” to be president of Russian Federation“alternate candidate” to be president of Russian Federation

Since 1991 – voter turnout has been fairly Since 1991 – voter turnout has been fairly highhigh Higher than in USA, but lower than in Britain & Higher than in USA, but lower than in Britain &

FranceFrance Political alienation reflected in 50.3% rate in 1993 Political alienation reflected in 50.3% rate in 1993

Duma elections, but those elections followed Duma elections, but those elections followed failed attempt by Duma to take over the countryfailed attempt by Duma to take over the country

Voter turnouts in December 2003 Duma elections Voter turnouts in December 2003 Duma elections just under 56%just under 56%

But voter turnouts for presidential elections w/ But voter turnouts for presidential elections w/ almost 75% of eligible citizens voting in the first almost 75% of eligible citizens voting in the first presidential election in 1991, < 65% voting in presidential election in 1991, < 65% voting in 20042004

Citizens, Society, and the StateCitizens, Society, and the State CleavagesCleavages

Nationality: most important cleavageNationality: most important cleavage 80% Russian80% Russian

Country includes sizeable numbers of Tatars, Ukrainians, Armenians, Country includes sizeable numbers of Tatars, Ukrainians, Armenians, Chuvashes, Bashkis, Byelorussians, MoldaviansChuvashes, Bashkis, Byelorussians, Moldavians

Determine the organization of the country into “federation” w/ Determine the organization of the country into “federation” w/ “autonomous regions”: republics w/ borders based on ethnicity“autonomous regions”: republics w/ borders based on ethnicity

Many would like to have independence – but have trade benefits Many would like to have independence – but have trade benefits w/ Russia’s gov’tw/ Russia’s gov’t

Notable exception: Chechnya: Muslim region in the Caucasus Notable exception: Chechnya: Muslim region in the Caucasus that has fought for years for freedomthat has fought for years for freedom

Russian gov’t have difficulty keeping Chechnya part of Russian gov’t have difficulty keeping Chechnya part of RussiaRussia

Chechens involved in terrorist actsChechens involved in terrorist acts In effort to gain legitimacy in Chechnya, Russian’ gov’t used In effort to gain legitimacy in Chechnya, Russian’ gov’t used

referendum to vote on new constitution for the region – referendum to vote on new constitution for the region – approved by Chechens, even though declares it an approved by Chechens, even though declares it an “inseparable part” of Russia“inseparable part” of Russia

ReligionReligion Tsarist Russia overwhelming Orthodox w/ tsar as Tsarist Russia overwhelming Orthodox w/ tsar as

spiritual leaderspiritual leader Soviet Union prohibited religious practices of all Soviet Union prohibited religious practices of all

kindskinds Most citizens lost religious affiliationsMost citizens lost religious affiliations Yeltsin encouraged Russian Orthodox Church to Yeltsin encouraged Russian Orthodox Church to

reestablish itself, partly as signal of his break w/ Soviet reestablish itself, partly as signal of his break w/ Soviet Union, but also as reflection of old Russian nationalismUnion, but also as reflection of old Russian nationalism

Today: most ethnic Russians identify themselves Today: most ethnic Russians identify themselves as Russian Orthodoxas Russian Orthodox But still largely nonreligiousBut still largely nonreligious Only small % actually attend servicesOnly small % actually attend services

Other religions represented in small %s – Roman Other religions represented in small %s – Roman Catholics, Jews, Muslim, ProtestantCatholics, Jews, Muslim, Protestant

B/c current regime so new, political parties B/c current regime so new, political parties uncertain – no clear pattern to indicate political uncertain – no clear pattern to indicate political attitudes regarding religious vs nonreligious citizensattitudes regarding religious vs nonreligious citizens

Rapid rise of Muslims in recent years – more Rapid rise of Muslims in recent years – more Muslims than any other European country except Muslims than any other European country except TurkeyTurkey Concentrated in 3 areasConcentrated in 3 areas

Moscow: large share of laborers Moscow: large share of laborers The Caucasus: area between Black Sea & Caspian Sea; The Caucasus: area between Black Sea & Caspian Sea;

repression of Chechens, intermittent violence, biggest issue for repression of Chechens, intermittent violence, biggest issue for trying to cultivate Russia’s role in Muslim affairstrying to cultivate Russia’s role in Muslim affairs

Bashkortostan & Tatarstan: generally calmer than Caucasus; Bashkortostan & Tatarstan: generally calmer than Caucasus; Tatarstan’s president accompanies Putin as he tried to Tatarstan’s president accompanies Putin as he tried to restructure Russia’s image as country supportive of Islamrestructure Russia’s image as country supportive of Islam

Religion & Ethnic Groups in RussiaReligion & Ethnic Groups in Russia

ReligionReligion Russian Orthodox: 15-Russian Orthodox: 15-

20%20%

Muslim: 10-15%Muslim: 10-15%

Other Christian: 2%Other Christian: 2%

Note: estimates are of practicing Note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large worshipers; Russia has large numbers of non-practice believers numbers of non-practice believers and non-believers, a legacy of and non-believers, a legacy of Soviet ruleSoviet rule

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2005/08/murder_in_st_pe.html

Ethnic GroupsEthnic Groups Russian: 79.8%Russian: 79.8%

Tatar: 3.8%Tatar: 3.8%

Ukrainian: 2%Ukrainian: 2%

Chuvash: 1.1%Chuvash: 1.1%

Other: 12.1%Other: 12.1%

Rural vs. UrbanRural vs. Urban Industrialization since era of Stalin has led to an Industrialization since era of Stalin has led to an

increasingly urban populationincreasingly urban population 73% now live in cities, primarily in western part73% now live in cities, primarily in western part

Economic divide between rural & urban people is Economic divide between rural & urban people is wide – but recent economic woes challenged wide – but recent economic woes challenged almost all Russians, regardless of where they livealmost all Russians, regardless of where they live

City dwellers more likely to be educated & in City dwellers more likely to be educated & in touch w/ western culture, but political touch w/ western culture, but political consequences of these differences are unclear in consequences of these differences are unclear in unsettled political climateunsettled political climate

Social ClassSocial Class Soviet attempts to eliminate social class at least Soviet attempts to eliminate social class at least

partially successfulpartially successful Noble/peasant levels of tsarist Russia abolishedNoble/peasant levels of tsarist Russia abolished But was replaced by another cleavage: members of But was replaced by another cleavage: members of

Communist Party vs nonmembersCommunist Party vs nonmembers All political leaders recruited from members onlyAll political leaders recruited from members only Economic favors given to membersEconomic favors given to members But promotions w/in Party egalitarian – recruiting new leaders But promotions w/in Party egalitarian – recruiting new leaders

generally blind to economic / social backgroundgenerally blind to economic / social background

Today: Russians appear to be more egalitarian in Today: Russians appear to be more egalitarian in their political & social views than people of their political & social views than people of established democraciesestablished democracies

A new socio-economic class may be developing A new socio-economic class may be developing w/in context of market economyw/in context of market economy Entrepreneurs have recently amassed fortunes from Entrepreneurs have recently amassed fortunes from

new business fortunesnew business fortunes Yeltsin contributed to new class by distributing huge Yeltsin contributed to new class by distributing huge

favors to themfavors to them Many believe that a small but powerful group of Many believe that a small but powerful group of

entrepreneurs sponsored Putin in 2000entrepreneurs sponsored Putin in 2000

Under Putin: oligarchs have been challenged b/c Under Putin: oligarchs have been challenged b/c of various alleged & real illegal activities, esp. of various alleged & real illegal activities, esp. underpayment of taxesunderpayment of taxes

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/russia602/

Beliefs and AttitudesBeliefs and Attitudes Marxism fed into Russian nationalism & Marxism fed into Russian nationalism &

supported notion that the Russian gov’t & way supported notion that the Russian gov’t & way of life would eventually prevailof life would eventually prevail

Ideals of revolutionary era envisioned a world Ideals of revolutionary era envisioned a world transformed by egalitarianism & elimination of transformed by egalitarianism & elimination of povertypoverty

Stalinism ideals shifted to pragmatic internal Stalinism ideals shifted to pragmatic internal development, tendencies toward absolutism, development, tendencies toward absolutism, repression returnedrepression returned

Collapse of Soviet Union brought out much Collapse of Soviet Union brought out much hostility toward gov’t that is reflected in hostility toward gov’t that is reflected in attitudes of Russian citizens todayattitudes of Russian citizens today Mistrust of the government:Mistrust of the government: limited evidence does limited evidence does

reflect a great deal of alienation toward political reflect a great deal of alienation toward political systemsystem People support democratic ideals, including free People support democratic ideals, including free

elections & widespread individual civil liberties & rightselections & widespread individual civil liberties & rights But most do not trust gov’t officials or institutions to convert But most do not trust gov’t officials or institutions to convert

those ideals to realitythose ideals to reality Alienation also indicated by low level of participation in interest Alienation also indicated by low level of participation in interest

groupsgroups Contradicted by high level of approval for Putin (of course, Contradicted by high level of approval for Putin (of course,

other leaders don’t share his popularity)other leaders don’t share his popularity)

Statism:Statism: despite high levels of mistrust, citizens still despite high levels of mistrust, citizens still expect the state to take an active role in their livesexpect the state to take an active role in their lives For most of Russian history, Russians function more as For most of Russian history, Russians function more as

subjects than participantssubjects than participants Today: Russians expect great deal from gov’t – even if Today: Russians expect great deal from gov’t – even if

have been disappointed in progress of reformhave been disappointed in progress of reform

Economic beliefs:Economic beliefs: Yeltsin’s market reforms created Yeltsin’s market reforms created divisionsdivisions Nearly all parties & electoral groups support market Nearly all parties & electoral groups support market

transition, but those w/ more favorable opinions of old transition, but those w/ more favorable opinions of old Soviet regime are less enthusiasticSoviet regime are less enthusiastic

Other end of spectrum – those that support rapid market Other end of spectrum – those that support rapid market reform, including privatization & limited gov’t regulation – reform, including privatization & limited gov’t regulation – favored by Yeltsinfavored by Yeltsin

Yeltsin’s “shock therapy” marketization was blamed by his critics Yeltsin’s “shock therapy” marketization was blamed by his critics for steep economic decline of 1990sfor steep economic decline of 1990s

Westernization:Westernization: political opinion follows old divide political opinion follows old divide of of slavophile vs. westernizerslavophile vs. westernizer Some political parties emphasize nationalism, defense Some political parties emphasize nationalism, defense

of Russian interests & Slavic cultureof Russian interests & Slavic culture Also tend to favor strong military & protection from foreign Also tend to favor strong military & protection from foreign

economic influenceeconomic influence

Reform parties strongly support integration of Russia Reform parties strongly support integration of Russia into world economy & global tradeinto world economy & global trade

Economic beliefs & attitudes toward the west Economic beliefs & attitudes toward the west Shape attitudes about whether or not the modern Shape attitudes about whether or not the modern

regime should integrate elements of the old regime should integrate elements of the old Soviet gov’t into its policymakingSoviet gov’t into its policymaking

Some are nostalgic for “good old days” when Some are nostalgic for “good old days” when everyone had guaranteed income, most likely to everyone had guaranteed income, most likely to support Communist party that still exists w/in support Communist party that still exists w/in competitive election systemcompetitive election system Some seeing generational split between those that Some seeing generational split between those that

remember better times under Soviet power & those that remember better times under Soviet power & those that came of age during early days of Russian Federationcame of age during early days of Russian Federation

Linkage InstitutionsLinkage Institutions Political PartiesPolitical Parties

Highly unstable & fluid during 1990sHighly unstable & fluid during 1990s Since 2000 – more & more power centralized in Since 2000 – more & more power centralized in

Putin’s party (United Russia)Putin’s party (United Russia) So that by presidential elections of early 2004 – no So that by presidential elections of early 2004 – no

strong opposing political partiesstrong opposing political parties

Russians put their party & electoral systems Russians put their party & electoral systems together “overnight” after Revolution 1993together “overnight” after Revolution 1993 Many small, factional partiesMany small, factional parties By 1999 the number of parties who ran Duma By 1999 the number of parties who ran Duma

candidates shrunk, but many parties were newcandidates shrunk, but many parties were new

United RussiaUnited Russia Founded April 2001 as merger of Fatherland All-Founded April 2001 as merger of Fatherland All-

Russia Party & Unity Party of RussiaRussia Party & Unity Party of Russia Put together by oligarch Boris Berezovksy & other Put together by oligarch Boris Berezovksy & other

entrepreneurs to support Putin in presidential entrepreneurs to support Putin in presidential election 2000election 2000 Put even more political support behind PutinPut even more political support behind Putin

Election 2003Election 2003 Won 221 of 450 Duma seatsWon 221 of 450 Duma seats

Figure underestimates party’s strength since many minor Figure underestimates party’s strength since many minor parties are Putin supporters / clientsparties are Putin supporters / clients

Communist Party of the Russian FederationCommunist Party of the Russian Federation 22ndnd strongest party in Duma strongest party in Duma Have not yet won a presidential electionHave not yet won a presidential election Election 1995: Election 1995:

157 seats in Duma157 seats in Duma Lost seats in 1999, but party remained important force in Lost seats in 1999, but party remained important force in

Russian politicsRussian politics But party support dropped in 2003 parliamentary elections But party support dropped in 2003 parliamentary elections

– winning 12.6% of vote & 51 seats– winning 12.6% of vote & 51 seats Party leader: Gennady Zyuganov came in 2Party leader: Gennady Zyuganov came in 2ndnd in in

presidential elections vs. Putinpresidential elections vs. Putin Party hurt by break-away faction led by Vladimir Tikhonov Party hurt by break-away faction led by Vladimir Tikhonov CPRF not = to old CPSUCPRF not = to old CPSU – but is less reformist than other – but is less reformist than other

partiesparties Zyuganov opposed many reforms under Gorbachev, continues to Zyuganov opposed many reforms under Gorbachev, continues to

represent to voters the stability of old regimerepresent to voters the stability of old regime Party emphasizes centralized planning, nationalism, Party emphasizes centralized planning, nationalism,

implies intention to regain territories lost when USSR splitimplies intention to regain territories lost when USSR split

Reformist Parties – has 2 that have been Reformist Parties – has 2 that have been consistently reformist, but both are in jeopardy consistently reformist, but both are in jeopardy of disappearingof disappearing Yabloko: taken strongest stand for pro-democracyYabloko: taken strongest stand for pro-democracy

Does best among intellectuals Does best among intellectuals Leader: Grigori YavlinskiLeader: Grigori Yavlinski Won 4 seats in Duma in 2003Won 4 seats in Duma in 2003

Union of Right Forces: name implies they are Union of Right Forces: name implies they are “right” in the sense of understanding the truth“right” in the sense of understanding the truth Emphasizes development of free marketEmphasizes development of free market Backs further privatization of industryBacks further privatization of industry 3 seats in Duma in 20033 seats in Duma in 2003

Liberal DemocratsLiberal Democrats Leader: Vladimir ZhirinovskyLeader: Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Extreme nationalist positionsExtreme nationalist positions Regularly attacks reformist leaders – particularly Regularly attacks reformist leaders – particularly

disliked Yeltsindisliked Yeltsin Has implied Russia, under his leadership, would use Has implied Russia, under his leadership, would use

nuclear weapons on Japannuclear weapons on Japan Makes anti-Semitist remarks (despite Jewish origins)Makes anti-Semitist remarks (despite Jewish origins) Sexist commentsSexist comments 2003 Duma elections: 37 seats2003 Duma elections: 37 seats

Overall since 1993 – ideological parties have Overall since 1993 – ideological parties have faded in importance & replaced by faded in importance & replaced by parties of parties of powerpower – parties strongly sponsored by – parties strongly sponsored by economic & political power-holders (United economic & political power-holders (United Russia)Russia)

Interest GroupsInterest Groups In Soviet Union – interest groups only allowed In Soviet Union – interest groups only allowed

under under state corporatismstate corporatism – controlled by the – controlled by the gov’tgov’t Decision-making took place in Central Committee & Decision-making took place in Central Committee &

PolitburoPolitburo If any outside contacts influenced policy, generally If any outside contacts influenced policy, generally

were confined to Party memberswere confined to Party members When state-owned industries up for sale, those When state-owned industries up for sale, those

that bought them for almost nothing were that bought them for almost nothing were generally insidersgenerally insiders This collection of This collection of oligarchsoligarchs may be defined loosely may be defined loosely

as an interest group b/c have been a major as an interest group b/c have been a major influence on policymaking process during formation influence on policymaking process during formation of Russian Federationof Russian Federation

The OligarchyThe Oligarchy Closely tied to Yeltsin’s familyClosely tied to Yeltsin’s family Took advantage of his inattention to presidencyTook advantage of his inattention to presidency Monopolized Russian industries, built BIG Monopolized Russian industries, built BIG

fortunesfortunes Boris BerezovskyBoris Berezovsky: admitted 1997 that he & 6 : admitted 1997 that he & 6

others controlled over ½ of Russian others controlled over ½ of Russian GNPGNP Used media to insure Yeltsin’s reelection in 1996Used media to insure Yeltsin’s reelection in 1996 Helped organize Unity Party in 2000 to help get Putin Helped organize Unity Party in 2000 to help get Putin

electedelected

Putin showed resistance to oligarchs’ controlPutin showed resistance to oligarchs’ control Arrests, fines, exile over corruption, back taxes, etcArrests, fines, exile over corruption, back taxes, etc Other oligarchs headed Putin’s warnings, largely Other oligarchs headed Putin’s warnings, largely

w/drew from politicsw/drew from politics

State Corporatism State Corporatism Where state determines which groups have input Where state determines which groups have input

into policymaking into policymaking Well established under PutinWell established under Putin

Russian gov’t established vast, state-owned Russian gov’t established vast, state-owned holding companies in variety of industriesholding companies in variety of industries

If companies appear too independent, gov’t If companies appear too independent, gov’t doesn’t force them to selldoesn’t force them to sell Cites legal infractions to force salesCites legal infractions to force sales Either gov’t-controlled companies, or companies seen Either gov’t-controlled companies, or companies seen

as loyal to Putin are beneficiariesas loyal to Putin are beneficiaries

A.k.a.: A.k.a.: insider privatizationinsider privatization

State Corporatism in RussiaState Corporatism in RussiaState Owned State Owned CompanyCompany

ChairmanChairman BenefitsBenefits

Gazprom (natural gas)Gazprom (natural gas) Dmitri A. Medvedev (was Dmitri A. Medvedev (was deputy PM)deputy PM)

Controlling stakes: Sibneft Controlling stakes: Sibneft Oil Company, Sakhalin II Oil Oil Company, Sakhalin II Oil CompanyCompany

Yukos Oil assetsYukos Oil assets

Rosneft (oil)Rosneft (oil) Igor I. Sechin Igor I. Sechin (presidential deputy chief (presidential deputy chief of staff)of staff)

Yukos assets: Yukos assets: Yuganskneftegaz oil fields, Yuganskneftegaz oil fields, refineriesrefineries

Russian Technology Russian Technology (weapons trader)(weapons trader)

Sergey V. Chemezov Sergey V. Chemezov (former KGB colleague (former KGB colleague of Putin)of Putin)

Avtovaz, Russia’s largest Avtovaz, Russia’s largest car maker; VSMPO, a car maker; VSMPO, a titanium aircraft parts makertitanium aircraft parts maker

United Aircraft United Aircraft CorporationCorporation

Sergei B. Ivanov (first Sergei B. Ivanov (first deputy PM)deputy PM)

Company created in 2006 Company created in 2006 by presidential decreeby presidential decree

Russian MafiaRussian Mafia Controls more than underworld crimeControls more than underworld crime Gained power during chaotic time after Revolution Gained power during chaotic time after Revolution

of 1991of 1991 Control: local businesses, natural resources, banksControl: local businesses, natural resources, banks Thrive on: payoffs from businesses (protection $$), Thrive on: payoffs from businesses (protection $$),

money laundering, deals made w/ Russian gov’t money laundering, deals made w/ Russian gov’t officials including members of former KGBofficials including members of former KGB

Huge fortunes by oligarchs and mafia offend Huge fortunes by oligarchs and mafia offend sensibilities of most Russian citizens who value sensibilities of most Russian citizens who value equality of resultequality of result In past, lawlessness has been dealt w/ by repressive, In past, lawlessness has been dealt w/ by repressive,

authoritarian rule, these groups represent major threat to authoritarian rule, these groups represent major threat to survival of new democracysurvival of new democracy

Russian MediaRussian Media Newspapers & TV stations privately owned, but Newspapers & TV stations privately owned, but

state controls many of themstate controls many of them Instances of reporters commenting on political actions & Instances of reporters commenting on political actions &

decisions, but how much freedom they have is uncleardecisions, but how much freedom they have is unclear Kremlin used state-controlled company to buy Kremlin used state-controlled company to buy

independent TV network: NTVindependent TV network: NTV Russian media circles suspicious of alleged poisoning of Russian media circles suspicious of alleged poisoning of

Anna Politkovkaya, one of most outspoken critics of Anna Politkovkaya, one of most outspoken critics of gov’ts policies on Chechneyagov’ts policies on Chechneya

March 2007: correspondent Ivan Safronov killed in a fall March 2007: correspondent Ivan Safronov killed in a fall from the window in his Moscow apartmentfrom the window in his Moscow apartment

Status of freedom of press illustrated by media Status of freedom of press illustrated by media coverage of school seizure at Beslan in 2004coverage of school seizure at Beslan in 2004 2 main news channels did not mention what was 2 main news channels did not mention what was

happening until an hour after explosions first heard at happening until an hour after explosions first heard at schoolschool

When state-owned Russia TV & Channel One finally When state-owned Russia TV & Channel One finally reported it, they returned to regularly scheduled reported it, they returned to regularly scheduled programming programming

NTV, however, owned by state-controlled Gazprom did NTV, however, owned by state-controlled Gazprom did have rolling coverage for 3 hours, even though it have rolling coverage for 3 hours, even though it started latestarted late

State corporatism appears to impacting the State corporatism appears to impacting the media business, just like oil, gas, aircraft, & auto media business, just like oil, gas, aircraft, & auto industriesindustries

Public Policies & Current IssuesPublic Policies & Current Issues The EconomyThe Economy

Economic problems heart of USSR’s demiseEconomic problems heart of USSR’s demise Gorbachev enacted his Gorbachev enacted his perestroika reformsperestroika reforms – –

market economy programs inserted into market economy programs inserted into traditional centralized state ownershiptraditional centralized state ownership Plans never fully implemented, partly b/c dissent w/in Plans never fully implemented, partly b/c dissent w/in

Politburo led to attempted coupPolitburo led to attempted coup

Question today: how much of the centralized Question today: how much of the centralized planning economy should be eliminated, and how planning economy should be eliminated, and how should the market economy be handled?should the market economy be handled? ““shock therapy” created chaotic conditions leading to shock therapy” created chaotic conditions leading to

small number of entrepreneurs running the economysmall number of entrepreneurs running the economy 1997: bottom fell out when gov’t defaulted on billions in 1997: bottom fell out when gov’t defaulted on billions in

debtsdebts Stock market lost ½ its valueStock market lost ½ its value Russian people suffered from sudden introduction of a free Russian people suffered from sudden introduction of a free

marketmarket Soviet gov’t: jobs were secureSoviet gov’t: jobs were secure 1997: unemployment rates soared1997: unemployment rates soared Ruble lost most of its valueRuble lost most of its value Oligarchs & mafia prospered – but everyone else w/ worse Oligarchs & mafia prospered – but everyone else w/ worse

standard of living than beforestandard of living than before

Russian economy slowly improvingRussian economy slowly improving By 2004 – showing strong signs of recoveryBy 2004 – showing strong signs of recovery

Standard of living risingStandard of living rising But many are still disillusioned w/ the new regime, But many are still disillusioned w/ the new regime,

question wisdom of policymakersquestion wisdom of policymakers

Economy fueled by huge oil & gas reserves & Economy fueled by huge oil & gas reserves & corporations (mostly state owned) that run themcorporations (mostly state owned) that run them If oil prices should fall, Russia’s economy will sufferIf oil prices should fall, Russia’s economy will suffer To prepare for that: Russia is putting oil money into a To prepare for that: Russia is putting oil money into a

Stabilization Fund as a reserves for state spendingStabilization Fund as a reserves for state spending http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/moscow/

Foreign PolicyForeign Policy USSR held hegemony over huge portions of the USSR held hegemony over huge portions of the

world for much of 20world for much of 20thth century century When USSR collapsed, dominance endedWhen USSR collapsed, dominance ended

Yeltsin had to borrow $$ from USA to shake Yeltsin had to borrow $$ from USA to shake economic troubleseconomic troubles

Vladimir Putin set out to redefine Russia’s place in Vladimir Putin set out to redefine Russia’s place in the worldthe world Relations with the near-abroadRelations with the near-abroad

Weak Confederation of Independent States unites 15 Soviet Weak Confederation of Independent States unites 15 Soviet republics; Russia leader of the grouprepublics; Russia leader of the group

Little formal power over membersLittle formal power over members Bound together through trade agreementsBound together through trade agreements Nationalities keep them from reaching common agreementsNationalities keep them from reaching common agreements Nationalities also threaten keeping Confederation togetherNationalities also threaten keeping Confederation together

Controversial move: Putin’s involvement in 2004 Controversial move: Putin’s involvement in 2004 presidential elections in the presidential elections in the UkraineUkraine Putin campaigned for ultimate winner Putin campaigned for ultimate winner

(Yanukovich) – leading to protests w/ claims that (Yanukovich) – leading to protests w/ claims that the election was fraudulentthe election was fraudulent

Elections held again, w/ Yushchenko winning – Elections held again, w/ Yushchenko winning – further straining relations w/ near-abroadfurther straining relations w/ near-abroad

Strained relations w/ Strained relations w/ EstoniaEstonia when Estonia removed when Estonia removed Soviet-era statue from public place in the capitalSoviet-era statue from public place in the capital Reaction from ethnic Russians living in Estonia, Reaction from ethnic Russians living in Estonia,

w/ hundreds attacking main theater w/ hundreds attacking main theater Then computers went down all over Estonia the Then computers went down all over Estonia the

day after the protests, leading to Estonians day after the protests, leading to Estonians blaming Russians for orchestrating the computer blaming Russians for orchestrating the computer blackoutblackout

Old ethnicities of the culturally heterogeneous Soviet Old ethnicities of the culturally heterogeneous Soviet Union still at oddsUnion still at odds

Relations w/ the WestRelations w/ the West Biggest adjustment for Russia is loss of its superpower status Biggest adjustment for Russia is loss of its superpower status

from Cold Warfrom Cold War U.S. emerged as the lone superpower in 1991U.S. emerged as the lone superpower in 1991 U.S. sponsored aid packages to Russia to keep it from collapsing U.S. sponsored aid packages to Russia to keep it from collapsing Once Russia established itself, U.S. & other G-7 nations Once Russia established itself, U.S. & other G-7 nations

welcomed it, creating G-8welcomed it, creating G-8 Being able to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) would be Being able to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) would be

a milestone in its integration w/ international economic a milestone in its integration w/ international economic community – is close to joining!community – is close to joining!

Obama, Medvedev working closely to ensure this by end of Obama, Medvedev working closely to ensure this by end of 20102010

Relations defined by oil & gas industries; access to oil, oil Relations defined by oil & gas industries; access to oil, oil pipelines, etc.pipelines, etc.

Relationship w/ Britain strained in 2006 b/c of espionage Relationship w/ Britain strained in 2006 b/c of espionage controversy in which Russian businessman accused of poisoning controversy in which Russian businessman accused of poisoning a former KGB officer & Kremlin critica former KGB officer & Kremlin critic

After 9-11, relationship w/ USA seemed to improve, but more After 9-11, relationship w/ USA seemed to improve, but more recently, Putin has been flexing muscles w/ USArecently, Putin has been flexing muscles w/ USA

In Munich in Feb 2007 – he accused the US of overstepping In Munich in Feb 2007 – he accused the US of overstepping its national borders & exhibiting a disdain for international lawits national borders & exhibiting a disdain for international law

TerrorismTerrorism Beslan school siege in 2004 most well known Beslan school siege in 2004 most well known

recent terrorist incidentrecent terrorist incident 2004: Putin argued that only a tighter grip from 2004: Putin argued that only a tighter grip from

central gov’t would foil terrorists whose aim it was central gov’t would foil terrorists whose aim it was to force the country’s disintegration to force the country’s disintegration Laid out security measures, sweeping political reforms Laid out security measures, sweeping political reforms

– top officials (including regional governors) would no – top officials (including regional governors) would no longer be elected, but would be selected by the longer be elected, but would be selected by the president, then approved by regional legislaturespresident, then approved by regional legislatures

Duma approved his decision later that yearDuma approved his decision later that year

Re-Centralization of Power in the Kremlin?Re-Centralization of Power in the Kremlin? Some critics claim his desire for selection of Some critics claim his desire for selection of

regional governors is more than a response to regional governors is more than a response to terrorism – also part of re-centralization of power terrorism – also part of re-centralization of power in the Kremlinin the Kremlin

Putin’s party is majority in DumaPutin’s party is majority in Duma Kremlin controls major TV stations, Russian gas Kremlin controls major TV stations, Russian gas

giantsgiants Unclear if these moves mark beginning of end of Unclear if these moves mark beginning of end of

democracy in Russia, or simply a reaction to democracy in Russia, or simply a reaction to terrorism threats like US & Britainterrorism threats like US & Britain

Development of a Civil SocietyDevelopment of a Civil Society Notion of civil society starts w/ acceptance of 2 Notion of civil society starts w/ acceptance of 2

areas of life a public one defined by the gov’t & a areas of life a public one defined by the gov’t & a private one where people are free to make their private one where people are free to make their own individual choicesown individual choices Countries w/ strong civil society: people follow rules, Countries w/ strong civil society: people follow rules,

operate w/ degree of trust toward others, generally operate w/ degree of trust toward others, generally have respectful dealings w/ others, even if gov’t not have respectful dealings w/ others, even if gov’t not watchingwatching

Aware of rule of law in public realm & privacy that exists out of Aware of rule of law in public realm & privacy that exists out of itit

Democracy & capitalism both depend on civil society for Democracy & capitalism both depend on civil society for successful operationsuccessful operation

Russian Youth GroupsRussian Youth Groups Recently, Putin has created several youth Recently, Putin has created several youth

movements to support the gov’tmovements to support the gov’t Largest is Largest is NashiNashi, others: Youth Guard, & Locals, others: Youth Guard, & Locals Effort to build a following of loyal, patriotic young Effort to build a following of loyal, patriotic young

people & defuse any youthful resistance that could people & defuse any youthful resistance that could emerge during 2008 electionemerge during 2008 election

Support Putin!Support Putin!

Critics see them as an arm of an increasingly Critics see them as an arm of an increasingly authoritarian stateauthoritarian state

Civil SocietyCivil Society Despite high voter turnouts, participation in other Despite high voter turnouts, participation in other

forms of political activities is relatively lowforms of political activities is relatively low Partly due to undeveloped Partly due to undeveloped civil societycivil society (private (private

organizations & associations outside of politics)organizations & associations outside of politics) i.e.: don’t attend church on regular basis, don’t belong to i.e.: don’t attend church on regular basis, don’t belong to

sports or recreational clubs, literary or other cultural groups, sports or recreational clubs, literary or other cultural groups, charitable organization or labor unionscharitable organization or labor unions

Only 1% members in a political partyOnly 1% members in a political party

But are not disengaged from politics – report they read But are not disengaged from politics – report they read newspapers regularly, watch news on TV, discuss newspapers regularly, watch news on TV, discuss politicspolitics

Civil Society seems to be growing in RussiaCivil Society seems to be growing in Russia Before 1917 Revolution – little civil society existed b/c of low Before 1917 Revolution – little civil society existed b/c of low

economic development, authoritarianism, feudalismeconomic development, authoritarianism, feudalism Soviet authorities argued that only the party could & should Soviet authorities argued that only the party could & should

represent the people’s interests, so… state-sponsored represent the people’s interests, so… state-sponsored organizations appeared in organizations appeared in state corporatiststate corporatist arrangement w/ arrangement w/ gov’t clearly in control of channeling voice of the peoplegov’t clearly in control of channeling voice of the people

W/ advent of glasnost in 1980s – civil society slowly began to emergeW/ advent of glasnost in 1980s – civil society slowly began to emerge Since then:Since then: Many organizations have formed to express points of view on Many organizations have formed to express points of view on

many different issues: environment, ethnicity, gender, human many different issues: environment, ethnicity, gender, human rights, health carerights, health care

Russians don’t necessarily share those Russians don’t necessarily share those assumptions – the inherent value of life, liberty, & assumptions – the inherent value of life, liberty, & propertyproperty Have been much more influenced by traditions of Have been much more influenced by traditions of

statismstatism – have a strong gov’t or die – have a strong gov’t or die

Despite proliferation of groups – gov’t restricts Despite proliferation of groups – gov’t restricts their activities, esp. groups that are openly critical their activities, esp. groups that are openly critical of gov’t’s policiesof gov’t’s policies Rather than directly attacking the groups, gov’t used Rather than directly attacking the groups, gov’t used

number of tactics to weaken them (investigating number of tactics to weaken them (investigating sources of income, making registration w/ authorities sources of income, making registration w/ authorities difficult, police harassment difficult, police harassment

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2007/05/russia_putin_vsgen.html#