RUSSIA Russia I. Authoritarian Oligarchy or Budding Democracy
Between global politics defined by competition between the USA and USSR Collapse of Soviet Union in 1991 left the Russian Federation as the largest piece ofterritory remaining from the USSR, its population was cut in half, but it still remained the largest country in the world in terms of geographic size Boris Yeltsin became 1st president of the Russian Federation, he initiated Shock Therapy reforms
Democracy Free Market Economy Oligarchy vs. Democracy Continued
Oligarchy a small group of Yeltsins family members and personal advisors took control of government and granted themselves favors, inviting political and economic corruption Vladimir Putin replaced Yeltsin in 1999 and has attempted to contain the oligarchs influence in some aspects of government: Centralization of Power in President Movement towards authoritarian rule Unpredictability of Russia (No experience with democracy and free market economy) Slavic roots provide strong tendency to autocratic rule Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin
Read this article and visit this website url: Create a summary of your own profile of Mr. Putin Create a quick caricature of Putin.On each hand and foot place an item or gesture that is indicative of his four most important qualities, attributes, or methods for presiding over Russian growth and power. Sovereignty, Authority, and Power
Most of 20th century authority in Soviet Russia came from the Politburo of the Communist Party Politburo small group of men who climbed the ranks of the party through the nomenklatura system. Nomenklatura ordered path from local party soviets to the commanding heights of leadership When the Soviet Union dissolved the authority and power of the Politburo dissolved with it. Political Culture Characteristics Geographic Setting Eastern Orthodoxy
Equality of Result Hostile toward Government Importance of Nationality Geographic Setting Geographic Setting Largest country in world
Contains 11 time zones Majority of country is north of 49th degree latitude (U.S. Canada border) Abundance of Natural Resources that exist in inhospitable or inaccessible geographic locations Eastern Orthodoxy Eastern Orthodoxy
Early in their history Russians established ties with Constantinople and adopted Eastern Orthodox Christianity as their religion This meant that they did not share the values of the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment Russians came to value a strong state to protect them from geographic vulnerabilities instead of individualism Russian statism existed in contrast to Western civil society Eastern Orthodoxy also linked with the state, separation of church and state therefore did not exist in Russia Russia developed a sense of global mission linked to there self-proclaimed title as the Bastians of Eastern Christianity. This sense of global mission would be promoted by the Soviet Union in their spread and preservation of communism (the Third International) Equality of Result Equality of Result
Communist regime instilled a value of equality in the Russian people already strong in a country of peasants with similar living standards Egalitarianism has survived the fall of the Soviet Union Most Russians resent differences of wealth or income Equality of Result vs. Equality of Opportunity Russian political culture is not particularly conducive to the development of capitalism Hostility toward Government & Nationality
Hostility to Govt Despite strong, central authority and Russian statism citizens can be surprisingly hostile toward their government Years of repression spark resentment that leads to badmouthing of political leaders Pessimism towards political and economic policies Importance of Nationality Cultural heterogeneity Discrimination and historical stereotypes Baltic peoples usually viewed favorably, Muslim-Turks viewed in a negative light Anti-Semitism was strong under the Tsars, some nationalists in Russia blame the Jews for Russias current problems Black Russians from Chechnya Anti-Semitism alive and well
Anti-Semitism alive and well.Forbes list of billionaires from 2004, updated to determine which are Jewish. Political Culture Long tradition of the collective over the individual
Rather be personally less successful than see someone else be more successful, advancement seen as unethical or illegally gotten Who Wants to be a Russian Millionaire? (with rubles?) PC Putin attacks the new wealth of the oligarchs is largely applaudedby Russian people (consolidating power though?) Individuals do look out for themselves, however, in private lives, but depend on state to provide, and lack commitment to idea that those with ability who work hard should get ahead. Political Culture Strong attachment to security and order at expense of individual liberty and freedom Invasions=Mongols, Lithuanians and Poles, French, Germans, and Germans again. Tendency to defer to a leader who portrays a position of strength Political community=weakening attachment to Russian national identity (more on identity in subsequent sections) Napoleon and his Grand Army invade Russia. Pew Results Most Russians give the EU (64%) and U.S. (56%) positive reviews, but not NATO (37%). Pew Many in these three nations believe the enormous transformations that have taken place since the demise of the Soviet Union have had negative consequences for their societies. In particular, majorities in all three say the changes since 1991 have had a bad influence on the standard of living, the way people in society treat one another, law and order, and public morality. Pew Twenty years after the collapse of the Soviet empire, roughly half of Russians (48%) believe it is natural for their country to have an empire, while just 33% disagree with this idea. Half of Russians also agree with the statement it is a great misfortune that the Soviet Union no longer exists; 36% disagree. Pew Large majorities in all three nations believe that elites have prospered over the last two decades, while average citizens have not. Pew People in these former Soviet republics are much less confident that democracy can solve their countrys problems than they were in 1991. When asked whether they should rely on a democratic form of government or a leader with a strong hand to solve their national problems, only about three-in-ten Russians and Ukrainians choose democracy, down significantly from 1991. Pew Two decades after the Soviet Unions collapse, Russians, Ukrainians, and Lithuanians are unhappy with the direction of their countries and disillusioned with the state of their politics. Enthusiasm for democracy and capitalism has waned considerably over the past 20 years. Socialization and Communication
Govt uses control over communications in tsarist and Soviet times to transmit blueprint for society Tsars- Orthodoxy-tsar as head of Orthodox Church, divine right to rule Autocracy-unquestionable and absolute ruler Narodnost-tsar as father figure and unifier of Russian nation Tsars struggle with question of who belongs to Russian nation but emphasize ethnic Russian characteristics, at expense of minorities. Soviets as a result set up ethno-territorial homelands for minorities to gain their loyalty In Soviet Period Newspapers, other publications fit facts into framework of Soviet ideology Monopoly of political power for Communist Party, atheism, superiority of economic planning. Soviet legacy=suspicion of official government ideology Years of socialization about correctness of Marxist-Leninist Collapse of Soviet union=people find out how corrupt official ideology was Whole life of socialization only to find in the end its a lie! Socialization Soviets=most aspects of life (school, workplace, social organization, media, etc.) contribute to socialization Soviet control of these institutions in effort to develop support for regime. Post-Soviet=more difficult to manipulate, especially in 10 years before Putin Putin reasserts authority to control info.Media consolidated and in some cases under state control. Schools, cultural events, social organizations increasingly embrace nationalism and greatness of Putin. Cult of personality??Scholars still say no because of access to info from internet to cell phones. Socialized by Events? 1. New Communist leader, different than all others 2. Period of significant pol, econ, social reform 3. Collapse of the economy 4. Coup against Communist leader 5. Collapse of polit system and disintegration of country 6. New polit system with non-Comm leader 7. Violent conflict between branches of govtuse of military force 8. New constitution, new elections 9. Internal conflict leading to military against region 10. Increasing terrorism 11. Resignation of president 12. Consolidation of power in new President DESIRE FOR STABILITY AND ORDER?? Sources of Power Most of 20th century authority in Soviet Russia came from the Politburo of the Communist Party Politburo small group of men who climbed the ranks of the party through the nomenklatura system. Nomenklatura ordered path from local party soviets to the commanding heights of leadership When the Soviet Union dissolved the authority and power of the Politburo dissolved with it. Now strength of presidents executive power and strong central political authority Clientalism-personal career ties now dominated by the siloviki-security establishment whom Putin is tied to and worked extensively with Path to Power? Read the assigned excerpts about the nomenklatura system. Answer the questions at the end of the handout and summarize the excerpt. Legitimacy Political legitimacy for Russia is currently low, partly because changes are a drastic departure from the past Recent evidence that country is stabilizing under Putin. Putin use authoritarian strategies to solidify Russias weak, illiberal democracy. Historically Russias political legitimacy has been based on strong, centralized, autocratic rule Tsars Communist rule propagated by Marxism-Leninism Democratic-Centralism: rule by a few for the benefit of the many Vanguard Stalinism changed the regime to totalitarianism Constitution of 1993 provided for a strong president, although power of the president can technically be checked by popular elections and the Duma Legitimacy Population often links legit. to performance.
Defeats in Crimean, Russo-Japanese and WWI weakens legit. WWII=strength, example of socialist system power although largely used nationalist appeals Economic success=Stalin, Krushchev, Putin, bring legit. Brezhnev, Gorbachev, Yeltsin lost legit as a result of downturns Beliefs and Attitudes Mistrust of Government result of treatment and government secrecy during tsarist and Soviet regimes Statism despite mistrust of government, Russian citizens still expect the state to take active role in their lives Economic Beliefs nearly all groups and political factions favor market reforms, although not all do so enthusiastically Westernization - Slavophile vs. Westernizer some political parties emphasize nationalism, Russian interests, and Slavic culture; others emphasize reform, and integration of Russia into world economy and global trade Type of Economic System
Pre-1917 underdeveloped, heavily agrarian, generally poor, earliest stages of capitalist development Bolsheviks=War Communism and nationalization of industries, unsuccessful Econ. system LeninNew Economic Plan (NEP)elements of capitalism
Stalinends, nationalizes more, collectivizes agriculture in countryside Sovietssocialist development, economic planning approach, emphasis on heavy industry at expense of consumer goods, rapid economic development Econ. system 70s/80s growth slowsAndropov targets absenteeism and alcoholism as does Gorbachev Gorbachevperestroika opens but still protected industries Economic System Cont. 1991-presentUneven economic development
Economic collapse in 1998 By 2013 GDP per capita at $18,100+ vs $6,000-7,000 during the 90s Reliance now=high global price of oil but will this last forever? Also corresponding high inequality Russia more like Lesser Developed Country=substantial gap between rich and poor and dependence on world price of single commodity 5 Facts Explain Russias Decline
Briefly summarize the five reasons that Russias economy is in economic decline. Which of these five reasons are largely out of the control of the Russian government? Which are within their control? How has President Putin been able to increase his popularity in the face of a declining economy? Governance and Accountability
Constitution of 1993-general broad-based legitimacy=competetive elections, multiparty, separation of powers, federalism, protection of civil rights. Strength of presidential (PM?) power and centralized control Complicated federal structure with 89 units Dominant exec but need legis approval. Dual executivepresident and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev is targeted by campaign of insults
1.Why has Putin allowed his Prime Minister to be the target of political ridicule? 2.Why doesnt he dismiss him if he is dissatisfied with Medvedev? 3.How does this article reflect on Putins character and the current state of Russian politics? Governance and Accountability
No real judicial independence Poor salaries and lack of professionalism in civil service=corruption and political influence Path Dependence?=do past experiences shape choices and options? Putinreversion to practices and centralization from Soviet period? Or rule of law and state capacity to govern necessary for democracy? Political Institutions (Federalism or Unitary)
Although the Soviet Union was highly centralized, it still maintained a federal government structure Russian Federation has retained this model, with the current regime consisting of 89 regions, 21 of which are ethnically non-Russian by majority Each region is bound by treaty to the Federation, not all have officially signed on (Chechnya) Most regions are called republics Many republics ruled themselves independently, but Putin has cracked down on this Putin ended direct election of the 89 regional governors, they are now nominated by the president and confirmed by the regional legislatures, OR they may now AGAIN have direct elections. Putins management of Russias governors reveals regional fractures, fear of losing power
1.Which law did former President Medvedev initiate prior to leaving office? 2.How and why did Putin change this? 3.What are the implications of this change? Ruling Party Candidates Win All
What was the implication of the September 2015 elections in Russia? These are seen as a dress rehearsal for what? What is Golos? What was that organizations comments on the elections? Levels of Government Federal Structurestarts with 89 units (republics 21, oblasts 49, krais 10, autonomous okrug 10, autonomous oblast 1, cities with federal status-St. Petersburg/Moscow).Now have 83 as some have consolidated. Republics have generally viewed selves in special category and most assertive with claims for autonomy or sovereignty (Chechnya) Republics tend to be in peripheral areas with some concentrated ethnic groups Constitution grants equal status to all units but Republics have special rights (declare 2nd language and Const.) Btw different treaties signed Assymetrical federalismgiving different regions varying privileges.
Result=escalation of regional demands and drop in perceived fairness of central policy Putin wants uniform system of federal-regional relations and rescinds bilateral treaties Yeltsin had signed Presidential Power=remove a governor or disband regional legislature if they act unconstitutionally Power Vertical Strengthening of integrated structure of exec power form the top level down to the local level. Seven Federal Districtson top of existing federal ones. Oversee work of federal offices in these regions and ensure compliance with fed law and cont. Staffed with the security service personnell, a powerful instrument of central control? Governorsused to be popularly (are elected now again! 2014) elected and served as members of the upper house (Federation Council) with heads of each regional legislature 7 FEDERAL DISTRICTS 2001no longer members of the Fed Council
2001no longer members of the Fed Council.Had voice in federal laws but divided attention. State Council created to give them some role in central decision-making. Soft-Power mechanisms helpclientalism btw central and governors, minimal protest, cooperation=benefits 2004Beslan massacre at school by Chenchen rebels.Putin eliminates popular election and nominates regional heads w/approval by regional legis.If refused 3 times=pres can disband body and call for elections. 2014Governors now elected again!! (in some) Death of Russian federalism?? Fiscal federalism Distribution of tax revenues
Putin=regional equalizationtakes into account regional tax bases and differences in needs in regions Focus: North Caucasus Chechnya: Ingushetia: North Ossetia: Dagestan:
1.Where is the region of the North Caucasus located? Why do you think it has been such a volatile region throughout history? 2.Briefly describe the status of the conflict in each of the regions described? Which regions are parts of Russia and which involved conflicts with regions of Georgia? Chechnya: Ingushetia: North Ossetia: Dagestan: Kabardino-Balkaria: South Ossetia: Abkhazia: Articles on Conflicts in the North Caucasus
1.What does Robert Schaefer give as advice to alleviate violence and unrest in the North Caucuses? 2.In the following article about actions by Putin in October, 2012, does it seem that he has followed this type of advice? Explain. Semipresidential: President & Prime Minister
Duties of the President (Head of State) Appoints the prime minister and cabinet Duma must approve prime ministers appointment, but if they reject the presidents nominee three times, the president may dissolve the Duma Issue decrees that have force of law cabinet has great deal of power, Duma can not censure cabinet according to Constitution of 1993 Dissolve the Duma done by Yeltsin during legislative coup attempt of 1993 Prime Minister (Head of Government): relationship between PM and President not exactly clear, but with no vice-president if anything happens to president the PM assumes the office of president Semi-presidentialism: pres and PM both active participants in day to day operation of the govt Executive President=foreign policy, relations with regions, organs of state security Prime Minister=economy and related issues. President directly elected every 6 years for 2 terms. Other Presidential powers:call state of emegency, impose martial law, grant pardons, call referenda, suspend state organs if against Const. Commander in Chief Difficult to impeach Can veto bills and can introduce bills in the assembly(veto can be overridden by 2/3 vote both houses) Russian politics: Putins purges
1.Why has Putin been cracking down on some of Russias political elites? 2.Does this seem to indicate a true spirit of reform or something else? Executive Prime Minister and Parliament:
Never been a member of the dominant party or coalition in the Duma (he is now) Principles of party accountability in parliamentary systems is not applicable No disciplined parties and no formal links btw parties and the executive Duma acceptance of govt proposals=authority of the President and configuration of power at the time Duma can pass 2 votes of no confidence and Pres has to remove minister, but Pres can dissolve the Duma if this happens Power Ministries President directly controls
Defense, interior, Foreign Affairs, Foreign intelligence Service, Fed Agency for Comm. And Info., Border Service, and Federal Security Service. Security CouncilPres also oversees. Pres PM Reps to the 7 federal districts Heads of power ministries Any other officials Used to strengthen power of fed govt vs regions Bicameral Legislature: Federal Assembly
Duma Lower House 450 deputies All chosen by PR party list national vote. 7% threshold required for all parties (used to be PR, SMD FPTP) Why change? Numerous standing committees, all 29 chairs United Russia Elects own speaker Both have immunity from criminal prosecution Federation Council Upper House Two members appointed from each of the 89 regions of the federation Power to delay legislation On paper Federation Council can change boundaries of republics, ratify use of armed forces, and appoint and remove judges. These powers have yet to be use however Popular Impact on Legislation
Societys ability to affect decisions is minimal Parties isolated from public at large and suffer low levels of popular respect Interest associations to lobby parliament are weak Internal decision-making structures of parties are elite dominated Public hearings are rare Representative of a diverse Russian public? If you cannot suppress them, squeeze them
1.What were some of the laws that the Duma passed prior to its summer break in July 2012? 2.What was the intent of many of these laws? 3.Why were these laws purposely vague in parts? Elections 3 types Referendum Duma Elections Presidential Elections Elections Referendums: 1993 for ratification of the new Constitution
Parliamentary:1993,1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 Presidential:1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 Pro-market/reform/West parties did terribly in Parliamentary elections in 1990s.United Russia (Unity) did well with Vlad Putin after 2000. Free and fair elections are questionable 1993: Year of Elections Year of Transition
March 1993 parliament attempts to impeach Yeltsin Legislative-led coup tries to usurp control of the government Yeltsin dissolves legislature, calls for new elections Although opposition leaders were arrested, Yeltsins opponents won the majority in the new legislature Radical Vladimir Zhirinovskys Liberal Party did surprisingly well Despite losing control of the legislature Yeltsin was able to get approval for the new constitution: Constitution of 1993 Constitution of 1993 Created a three-branch government
President & Prime Minister Lower legislative house (DUMA) Constitutional Court Referendum - allowed for president to call for national referenda by popular vote on important issues Yeltsins first referendum was on his job performance Second was for approval of the constitution itself 1993 Parliamentary Elections
Voters for the Duma have 2 votes:1 for a candidate in a district and 1 for a party (SMD/FPTP and PR Party List with a 5% threshold) 225 and 225 Pro-reform parties did poorly, attacking each other rather thanwork together Liberal Democratic Party=24% of PR votes Russias Choice=15% PR Communists=13% Independents win large # of SMD seats=personal nature of Russian politics 1995 Parliamentary Elections
Same voting, this time for 4-year terms. 43 parties run (13 in 93) but only 7 earn seats in the Duma Communists do the best, as they replace LDP as protest party against Yeltsin Communists still only 150 of the 450 seats, short of a majority 1999 Communists continue strength=24% PR vote
Unity also does well with 23 % 2003 Parliament United Russia wins with 37.6%
120 seats from PR and 102 seats from SMD With some indeps. they control 300 seats 1st time since collapse that party has majority in the Duma Communists and LDP continue their presence Yabloko and Union of Right Forces (reform) both fail to clear the 5% threshold and are out 2007 Parliament PR only party list 7% threshold, cast single vote for political party 4/11 parties get enough votes United Russia64% and 315 seats LDP and A Just Russia40 and 38 (both pro-Putin) Communist Party only serious opposition=57 seats United Russia and other pro-Putins pledge support for Medvedev in next election Trend=ONE-PARTY DOMINANT SYSTEM Changes 5 year terms for the Duma
1 seat to parties winning between 5 and 6% 2 seats to parties winning between 6 and 7% One-Party Dominant Duma Dec 4, 2011 United Russia50%, 238 Communist Party19%, 92 Just Russia13%, 64 Presidential Elections
1996 Yeltsin wins runoff against Communist Zyuganov, resigns in 1999 2000 Putin runs for 1st term at 53% in 1st round, Zyuganov 30% showing still strong Communists 2004 Putin wins with 69%, Russian electronic media became Putin campaign outlets 2008 Dmitry Medvedev won easily, hinted Putin would be next PM 2012Putin with 64% of the vote, Zyuganoz again around with 17% Election Fairness Largely but not entirely free
Individuals vote in secret Candidates run for office and can campaign by providing info to voters But getting worse with creeping authoritarianism Russias Latest Fake Election
What were the results of the municipal, regional and gubernatorial elections in Russia in September 2015 elections in Russia for Explain some of the ways that elections are being controlled in Russia to assure that candidates associated with Vladimir Putins ruling party win. Judging from this article, why can Russia be called an illiberal democracy at best. What does the author mean by a culture of impunity in Russia? What is necessary for accountability in Russias political system? Putin Orders Change in Election Rules
1.What are the changes in the election rules proposed by Putin in January 2013? 2.Why did he propose these changes? 3.How might these affect future elections? Political Parties Began forming after Revolution of 1991
Small, factional Formed around particular leaders Bloc of General Andrey Nikolaev and Academician Svyaloslav Fyodorov Yuri Boldyrev Movement (Yabloko) Formed around particular issues Party of Pensioners Agrarian Party of Russia Women of Russia Political Parties Today (United Russia, Communist Party, Reform Parties) United Russia Founded in April 2001
Merger between Fatherland All-Russia Party and the United Party of Russia United Party put together by oligarch Boris Berezovsky and other entrepreneurs to support Putin in the election of 2000 Merger put even more political support behind Putin United Russia won 221 of the 450 Duma seats in 2004 elections Putin won re-election in 2004 as the United Russia candidate United Russia is hard to define other than that it is pro-Putin Power Partylacks ideology, vehicle for Putin election Vladimir Putin Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF)
Communist Party of the old Soviet Union (CPSU) After 1995 elections held 157 of the 450 Duma seats After parliamentary election of 2003 only retained 51 of the 450 Duma seats Party leader Gennady Zyuganov finished second in the 1996 and 2000 elections, but support for the party dropped each time, he withdrew from the race in the 2004 election Party was weakened in 2004 when a breakaway faction led by Vladimir Tikhonov split from the party Party is less reformist than other parties, Zyuganov opposed the reforms initiated by Gorbachev Party emphasizes central planning and nationalism Would like to see Russia regain territories it lost after Soviet Union dissolution Gennady Zyuganov Reformist Parties Yabloko Union of Right Forces
Taken strongest stand for pro-democracy Survived since 1993 Grigori Yavlinski, leader, finished 3rd in 2000 presidential election Name is acronym for its three founders, also means apple Gained 4.4% of vote in 2003 parliamentary elections (4 seats) making it ineligible for proportional representation Union of Right Forces Rightest only in the sense of seeking truth Emphasizes development of free market Supports privatization of industry Had 29 seats in Duma prior to 2003 After 2003 elections only won 3 seats (less than 5% of the vote) Liberal Democratic Party
Controversial party Headed by Vladimir Zhirinovsky Extreme nationalist Anti-semitic Sexist Attacks reformist leaders and disliked Yeltsin Said he would use nuclear weapons on Japan if he were elected Party reformulated as Zhirinovskys Bloc for 2000 presidential election, he received 2.7% of vote Party did receive about 11% of vote in 2003 Duma elections (won 37 seats) A Just Russia Social democratic party formed as a merger of Rodina, Russian Party of Life, and Russian Pensioners Party Rights and freedoms of individuals Functioning welfare state Sergey Miranov Progress Party Headed by Alexei Navalny
Opposed to Putin and United Russia Want reform of the political system and possible parliamentary democracy Decentralization of power Partnering up with the West Party Registration 2001 Law on Parties:at least 10,000 members, branches of at least 100 members in at least half regions 2004 Revised:membership must be 50,000 and branches of at least 500 in half regions Only small number of parties could hit this target 2005:disallowed party coalitions to compete Now proof of registration in 40 regions Russia to ease law on forming political parties
1. What was the change proposed by Medvedev (and ultimately passed) by the Duma? 2. Why was the law changed? 3. If a number of new political parties emerge, as a result, what do you think would be the result.would this strengthen or weaken Putins United Russia Party? Explain. Leaders and Recruitment
Vladimir Putinended 2nd term as Pres in 08, serves as PM as powers has shifted from presidency.Still central figure. Born in Leningrad, received civil law degree at Leningrad State U. Long period of service in the KGB. Joined admin of St. Petersburg mayor in Yeltsin makes him head of the FSB Yeltsin names him new PM. Acting Pres as Yeltsin resigns in January. Perceived as strong and energetic.Skilled in judo. Control Chechnya, consolidate power, favors own clans Leaders Dmitry Medvedevnew Pres in 2008
With Putin as PM=hyper-presidential political system Few inside or out believed Medvedev the supreme political leader Formerly part of Putins St. Petersburg inner circle, former chief of staff, and managed pres campaign. One-time chairman of massive energy company Gazprom Supported free market economics critical of Russian governmental corruption. Lenin Son of a nobleman, expelled law school, self-taught lawyer, leader of Bolsheviks Stalin Son of poor peasants from Georgia, involve in Rev activities as teenager, arrested and exiled before Gen Sec Krushchev Son of miner in southern Russia, factory worker in Ukraine, technical ed in HS, worked way up through Comm Party ranks Brezhnev Son of factory worker, worked in factory, studied in tech school, political officer of Red Army, protg of Krushchev, rose through ranks Andropov Son of railway worker, telegraph operator, boatman, worked way up through ranks Chernenko Born in Siberia, joined Comm Party at 20 as propagandist, worked way up Gorbachev Son of mechanic, farm worker, Moscow State U., law degree, joined Comm as student, worked way up. Yeltsin Grandson of peasants deported by Stalin, son of construction worker, degree in engineering, elected to legislature. Interest Groups Oligarchy Russian Mafia
Tied closely with the Yeltsin family By mid-1990s monopolized Russian industry and built huge fortunes Boris Berezovsky admitted that he and six other entrepreneurs controlled over half the GNP Dominant in oil, media, and television industries Helped Yeltsin win 1996 election Created and financed the Unity Party in 2000 and got Vladimir Putin elected Russian Mafia Larger and perhaps even more influential than the oligarchy Initially involved in underworld crime During Revolution of 1991 gained control of businesses, natural resources, and banks Involved in money laundering, drugs, prostitution, and business payoffs (protection money) Includes former members of the KGB Interest Groups II Huge fortunes made by oligarchs and the mafia offend the equality of opportunity principle of the Russian people In the past, lawlessness in Russia has been dealt with by repressive, authoritarian rule, and these groups represent a threat to the new democracy Putin arrested television magnate Vladimir Gusinsky for corruption and his company was given to a state-owned monopoly In 2003, Mikhail Khodorvsky, the richest man in Russia and CEO of the Yukos Oil Company was arrested as a signal that the Russian government was consolidating power Yukos was slapped with massive penalties and additional taxes, forcing it into bankruptcy Russian Media a linkage institution with close ties to both the state and the oligarchy, has been manipulated by dominant political and interest groups to pursue their own causes Bureaucracy Soviet era nomenklaturalong list of competent and loyal and politically connected, 1.5 million 1 million in Russian ranks inherited from this system Culture of the bureaucracy has remained a problem us vs them between bureaucrats and govt officials Some moves to merit based and honest 2006 World Bank report=one of few post-communist countries where corruption, including payments to officials, increased from 2002 to 2005 Military Was a source of strength during the Soviet era, 1945-1991
Once stood at over 4 million men Generally did not get involved in politics, this continues under the Russian Federation One prominent general, Alexander Lebed, gained political following before the 1996 election and had to be coopted by Yeltsin in order for Yeltsin to win reelection Suffered significant humiliation from the late 1980s to early 21st century Withdrawal from Afghanistan Defeated by Chechen guerrillas in conflict Often ill-equipped, Russian soldiers had to feed themselves and went unpaid for months in late 1990s and early 21st century Military Problem of hazingrule of the grandfathers
Tradition of beating young conscripts, one beaten so badly his legs and genitals had to be amputated Hazing, crime, and suicide led to 1,000+ non-combat deaths in military in 2005 alone. Judiciary Supreme Court Constitutional Court
Created by 1993 Constitution Serves as final court of appeals in criminal & civil cases Constitutional Court 19 members Appointed by president and confirmed by Federation Council Current situation with judicial reform in Russia
1.In discussing so-called legal reform in Russia, which areas were not touched by reform? Why is this a problem? 2.Why do Russian courts work so slowly and have such a high conviction rate? 3.What mitigates against Russia having an independent judiciary? Judicial Backsliding in Russia
What is meant by the dualist legal system in Russia? What steps by the government were seen as improving the legal system in the past 15 years? In addition to the stand-alone Constitutional Court, what are the two major court systems in Russia? What are the differences in which these are organized and operate in adjudicating disputes? What issues have emerged with the intended reforms of the judicial system? ST III: Citizens, Society, and the State
Nationality Most important single cleavage in Russia 80% of population is Russian Others include: Tatars Ukrainians Armenians Chuvashes Bashkis Byelorussians Moldavians Nationality continued
Nationality cleavages determine the organization of the country into federations, autonomous regions, republics, and provinces Many ethnic groups would like to have their independence, but are enticed by trade benefits with the Russian government to stay in the Federation Chechnya is the one exception Chechnya Primarily Muslim region of Russia
Contains some valuable resources, such as oil fields Independence movement is strong, and Russian government has struggled to keep Chechnya region within its control Chechens have reverted to terrorist tactics including taking over a heavily attended Russian theater and in 2004 the seizure of a school that resulted in the deaths of over 350 people, mostly children Citizens, Society, and the State continued
Religion Russian Orthodox under the tsars All religion prohibited during the Soviet Unions rule Boris Yeltsin encouraged Russian Orthodox Church to reestablish itself as a signal of a break from communism and a reflection of old Russian nationalism Other religions represented in very small percentages (Roman Catholic, Jews, Muslims, Protestants) Religion Orthodox Church into political mainstream now.
Laws have been passed which have privileged religions like Orthodox Christianity Muslimsbirthrate significantly higher than the rest of the population 15% of the total population Many religious cults have also flourished Offeringsanswers to the ideological vacuum at USSR collapse. Many laws passed to limit their creation. Citizens, Society, and the State continued
Social Class Russian society much more egalitarian than western societies with a few notable exceptions Nomenklatura: only about 7% of the citizenry were CPSU members, and all political leaders were chosen from this group. However within this group egalitarian measures were followed, and little significance was given to economic and social background Business Oligarchy: emerged during Yeltsins regime, often former KGB and CPSU leaders, granted favors by Yeltsin government to promote business. Struggled in late 1990s but have emerged as leaders in Russia after acquiring major corporations, ie. Media Most & Yukos Oil. Putin had to arrest or send into exile CEOs of these companies for refusing to pay or underpaying government taxes Social Class There is a visible rich class.Mostly in larger cities and do not hold political positions. Sizeable gap between rich and poor has fed anger over reforms. See Inequality article. Rural vs. Urban Life 73% of all Russians live in urban settings, usually in the western part of the country Economic divide between rural and urban residents is wide, however, all Russians have been hit hard by recent economic woes of the post-Cold War Russia Urban residents tend to be more educated and in touch with western culture Civil Society Hundreds of political and social orgs exists in every region of Russia. Nationwide=women, children, veterans, environment, pensioners, cultural interests. Also sports, professional unions, labor unions, social welfare organizations. Must register with local authorities. Most successful=better off elements of society like business entrepreneurs Official trade union now Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITU)=labor action key form of protest Government Civil Society?
Civic Forumofficial forum for all-Russian congress of NGOs (public relations?) Public Chambermechanism for public consultation and input, and creating public support for policy Corporatist Approach=co-opt public activists from more disruptive actions HRW: Worst year for human rights in Russia since the USSR collapsed
1.Why did Human Rights Watch pronounce 2012 as the worst year for human rights in Russia since the collapse of the USSR? Freedom House 2015 Report on Russia by Freedom House: View the report at the following url: https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2015/russia#.VQWpLDgtHZ4 What is the Freedom House ranking of Russia? What does this indicate? Why was Russia assigned this ranking per the rating change and overview? Briefly summarize key areas of the report including the following: Freedom House cont. Political Rights A. Electoral Process:
A. Electoral Process: B. Political Pluralism and Participation: C. Functioning of Government: Freedom House cont. Civil Liberties
D. Freedom of Expression and Belief: E. Associational and Organizational Rights: F. Rule of Law: G. Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights Media Roles Use the ancillaries on Monday! Political Participation
During Soviet rule political participation was forced, and therefore was close to 100% Gorbachevs reforms created competitive elections in the Soviet Union that followed through to the Russian Federation In 1991 voter turnout in the Russian Federation was higher than the U.S. Political participation for the Duma elections of 1993 was only 50.3%, but this followed a failed attempt by the Duma to take over the country Presidential voter turnout has declined from 75% in 1991 elections to less than 65% for the 2004 elections Lack of participation may be due to Russias underdeveloped civil society Only 1% of Russias citizens report being a member of a political party Few Russians are members of clubs, churches, or cultural groups Social Movements Late Soviet period=widespread movements
Gorbachevs policies allowpeople follow and talk about political events and participate in all kinds of activities Environmentalists protest past policies and team up with nationalists in regions to help bring demise of USSR After collapse=politically burnt outeconomy a messwith creeping authoritarianism the costs are higher to protest Citizenship and Represenation
Ethnic diverstiy leads to dissonant views of identity and incongruent nation building Some nationalists=ethnic Russians form nations boundaries, whether in Russia or not Others=sought a more civic form of national identity encompassing minorities Historical Influences on Politics
Absolute, Centralized Rule Extensive Cultural Heterogeneity ethnic diversity and numerous republics and autonomous regions reflected in name Russian Federation Slavophile vs. Westernizer Revolutions of 20th Century Political & Economic Change
Long period of Autocratic rule by Tsars ruled Russia from the 14th century to the early 20th. Control of Russia passed down through the Romanov family from the 17th century on, but transitions were often accompanied by brutality and assassinations 20th century rule by Communist Party began in 1917 when Lenins Bolsheviks seized control of the government after the last tsar, Nicholas II, was deposed. The regime toppled in 1991 when a failed coup from within the government created chaos Regime change to Democracy and Free Markets in 1991 President Boris Yeltsin put western-style reforms in place to help create the Russian Federation Early Tsarist Rule First tsars were princes of Moscow who cooperated with Mongol rulers in the 13th century After Mongol empire weakened the princes named themselves tsars in the tradition of the Caesars of ancient Rome Autocratic from the beginning to protect themselves against invasion and attack Tsars served as official head of Eastern Orthodox Church, they were seen as political and religious leaders Western Tsars Peter the Great Catherine the Great
Ruled in late 17th and early 18th century Introduced western technology and culture to Russia First tsar to travel to Germany, Holland, & England Brought engineers, carpenters, and architects to Russia Set Russia on course to becoming a world power Catherine the Great Originally from Germany Ruled during the late 18th century Russia gained warm water access to the Black Sea under her reign Enlightened Despot interested and read Enlightenment ideas, she ruled absolutely but with the good of the people in mind Tsars after Peter and Catherine alternated between emphasizing Slavic roots and tolerating western reforms 19th Century Russia invaded by Napoleon in 1812
Alexander I resists invasion and ultimately drives French out of Russia Russian intellectuals influenced by Western thought grew weary of tsarist absolutism and revolted: Decembrist Revolt of 1825 Revolt crushed by Nicholas I Crimean War Russia defeated by UK, France, and Ottoman Empire. Defeat was a significant blow for confidence in tsarist leadership among Russians Tsars used secret police for investigations, as well as exiling and execution of dissenters in 19th century Alexander II only 19th century tsar to embrace reforms, however he was assassinated in 1881. He freed Russian serfs Set up regional zemstvas (assemblies) Alexander III reacted to assassination by undoing reforms and intensifying efforts of secret police. Revolution of 1917 Causes Russias defeat in Russo-Japanese War ( ) Ineffectiveness in World War I Riots first break out in 1905 after Russians defeated by Japanese Revolts were suppressed but state collapsed in 1917 amidst World War I Russian soldiers were fighting without guns and shoes, military defections from the war helped send the state into chaos Lenin and the Bolsheviks
Mensheviks Russian Marxists who believed that socialist revolutions would first take place in industrialized countries such as Germany and England, Russians would have to wait to modernize Vladimir Lenin communist who disagreed with Mensheviks, he argued for democratic-centralism, or a vanguard leadership group to lead the revolution in the name of the people Bolsheviks followers of Lenin, practice Marxism-Leninism, took control of Russian government in late 1917 (October Revolution). Lenin & Bolsheviks continued
Brest-Litovsk Treaty negotiated between Bolsheviks and Germans to end Russian involvement in WWI. Russians ceded a third of their arable land to the Germans under the Treaty In 1918 civil war broke out in Russia between the White Army, led by Russian military leaders and backed by the Allies, and the Red Army led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks. Red Army victorious. New Economic Policy (NEP) instituted by Lenin in 1920 following civil war, allowed for a great deal of private ownership to exist under a centralized leadership Lenin dies in 1924, after brief struggle for power amongst Bolsheviks he is succeeded by Josef Stalin, Man of Steel Stalinism Stalin places Communist Party (CPSU) at center of control
Leaders identified through nomenklatura process of selecting individuals from lower levels within party (Kept a file for anybody who was somebody) Central Committee: group of 300 party leaders who were the top government officials Politburo: heart and soul of Communist Party, group of 12 men from the Central Committee who ran the country, all government agencies and departments were at their disposal and carried out their decisions General Secretary: head of the Politburo, dictator of the country (Stalin was General Secretary from 19271953) Stalinism II Collectivization & Industrialization
Replaced the NEP with collective farms Private land ownership abolished, kulaks forced to move to cities or labor camps Five-Year Plans: ambitious goals for production of heavy industry such as oil, steel, and electricity. Labor and factories fueled by agricultural surplus produced from the farms Gosplan: Central State Planning Commission, in charge of Five-Year Plans, became the center for the economy, determined production and distribution of virtually all goods in Soviet Union Stalinism the two-pronged program of collectivization and industrialization, carried out by central planning, executed with force and brutality Stalins Foreign Policy
Primary concern internal development, foreign policy was meant to support this Stalin advocated socialism in one country Signed Non-Aggression Pact with Nazi Germany in 1939 After Nazis invade Soviet Union in 1940, Stalin joins the Allies to fight Germans in World War II Red Army drives Nazis out of Soviet Union and back to Berlin where the Germans are defeated in 1945. Red Army occupies majority of Eastern Europe during this time period Tensions between Soviets and the West, particularly the United States, become a growing foreign policy concern for Stalin Cold War The Purges Execution of millions of Soviet citizens
As many as one million communist party members executed Stalin obsessed with disloyalty within the party Generals, Central Committee members, and Politburo officials purged as a result of Stalins paranoia Khrushchev Follows Stalin as General Secretary after brief power struggle in CPSU 1956, gives secret speech (based on letter written by Lenin) denouncing Stalinism, initiates reforms that lead to DeStalinization process in Soviet Union Diplomatic and military failure of the Cuban Missile Crisis leads to his downfall and removal as General Secretary Khrushchevs Reforms Loosen government censorship of press
Decentralization of economic decision-making Restructuring of collective farms Peaceful Coexistence foreign policy in Cold War diplomacy with U.S. (Cuban Missile Crisis threatens this initiative) Brezhnev Eventually succeeds Khrushchev as General Secretary of CPSU and head of state of the Soviet Union Hard-line, conservative member of Communist party Ends reforms initiated by Khrushchev Dtente is dominant foreign policy in Cold War diplomacy with U.S., this ends with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ordered by Brezhnev in 1979 Gorbachev Takes over as General Secretary in the mid-1980s
Leads a younger generation of communists Educated and more westernized then previous Soviet leaders Initiates a wave of reforms that included: Glasnost Perestroika Demokratizatsiia Glasnost Openness Open discussion of political, social, and economic issues Allowed for open criticism of government and government policies Gorbachev stressed that the ultimate test of the party lay in improving the economic well-being of the country and its people Open market relations Pragmatic economic policy Less secretive government Perestroika Restructuring
Loosened controls of the Communist Party, allowing group formation in other sectors of society Economic Restructuring Modernization from within Transfer economic power from central government to private hands and market economy Authorization of privately owned companies Penalties for under-performing state factories Price reforms Encouragement of joint ventures with foreign companies Leasing of farm land outside the collective farms Demokratizatsiia Gorbachev wanted to insert some democratic characteristics into the old Soviet structure However, he did want to maintain Communist Party control Reforms included: A new Congress of Peoples Deputies with directly elected representatives New position of President that was selected by the Congress Deputies were often critical of Gorbachev Increasing levels of displeasure with government from both liberal and conservative members of Communist Party Revolution of 1991 August 1991 Led by Conservatives (those opposed to, or who wanted to abandon Gorbachevs reforms) Vice-president Head of the KGB Top military advisers Coup failed when popular protests erupted and soldiers defected rather than support their leaders Protesters were led by Boris Yeltsin, president elect of the Russian Republic Gorbachev restored to power, but by December 1991 eleven Soviet republics declared their independence Gorbachev officially announces dissolution of Soviet Union Boris Yeltsin Former member of Politburo, removed because his radical views offended conservatives Even more extreme than Gorbachev Elected president of Russian Republic as result of voting procedures put in place by Gorbachev Emerged as president of the largest republic, Russian Federation, after Soviet Union dissolves Attempts to create a western-style democracy Shock Therapy economic reforms (Immediate market economy) Russian economy does not respond to shock therapy reforms Conflict erupts between Yeltsin and the Duma Yeltsin II Poor president Hires and fires numerous prime ministers
Alcoholic & frequently ill; this leads to erratic political behavior Resigns before the 2000 elections Vladimir Putin, Yeltsins prime minister, takes over and wins the 2000 & 2004 elections Public Policy/Current Issues
The Economy At the heart of the Soviet demise in 1991 Perestroika reforms market economy programs inserted into traditional centralized state ownership design Shock Therapy reforms created chaotic conditions that resulted in a small group of entrepreneurs running the economy In 1997 economy collapsed when government defaulted on billions of dollars of debts Russian stock market lost half its value, threatened global markets as well Ruble lost value rapidly, by 2002 it took more than 30,000 rubles to equal one dollar The overall economy did see slight improvements in 19992000 In 2004 the economy grew 7%, and standards of living improved, the first real signs that the Russian economy was starting to thrive again Foreign Policy Relations with Former Republics
Confederation of Independent States (CIS) Russia is the clear leader of organization Is not nearly as successful, economically and politically, as the EU Bonded together by trade agreements Tensions of nationality issues Putins meddling in Ukrainian election of 2004 was cause for concern Relations with the World Adjustment period for Russia following Cold War and loss of superpower status Offered aid and foreign investment by U.S. Accepted into the G-7 (now known as G-8) UN Security Council permanent member Has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) Putins Syria Intervention
How did Vladimir Putins experience as a KGB officer in East Germany affect him? How did his analysis of a paralysis of power in East Germany affect his domestic policies once he became president? Which historical events in Russia led to his opposition to a freewheeling democracy? Why does he think that Russians are not ready for democracy? What has been the result of this distrust of the will of the people? How have Putins actions in the Ukraine/Crimea and in other countries reflected his views of the role of the state?