The Regime Type of Russia Essay

Boris Yeltsin, the first Russian president to be democratically elected, oversaw the regime change from the Soviet Union. He was riding on a powerful wave of nationalism that was coursing through the entire country (Lally & Englund). It was a strong expression of democracy when Yelstin gave the rallying call to galvanize people into an unarmed resistance that propelled him to the forefront of Russian and Soviet politics. Just like Yelstin was a towering figure during his time, one cannot possibly talk about Russian politics without referring to Vladimir Putin. He took over from Yeltsin at the beginning of the millennium and has been at the helm of the political landscape to date. Over 25 years since the Soviet Union collapsed, Russia has been unable to create a stable democracy and instead authoritarianism has taken center-stage (Khodorkovsky).

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The authoritarian leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of Russian citizens and the relations with other countries around the world. The regime in Russia is one of a besieged fortress mentality where the state feels threatened by the slightest factor that may upset the status quo that has been established by Vladimir Putin. This vulnerability is displayed by the country's foreign policy, which is meant to 'balance the forces' by opposing the west (Khodorkovsky). This strategy creates the impetus for things like military adventurism, which is a threat to the entire planet's peace.

There is an argument that the over the years, there has been increasing support for an undemocratic regime in Russia (Tafel 480). The massive disparity that exists between the overwhelming preference of democratic governance in Russia and the regime created by the elites has been a topic of interest. Studies indicate that there is still widespread support, which is still growing, even as the regime becomes increasingly undemocratic. This weird situation is brought about by the individual ratings of Putin and the endorsement of Russia's current economic system (Tafel 481). Individual assessments matter but people will evaluate a regime in an economic and political context that can influence their opinions. The longer a regime stays in power, the more it gains widespread support (Tafel 481).

People who tend to disagree with the regime do not find favor amongst the masses. Vladimir Putin is a master propagandist, and he has managed to inspire an entire nation by the use of emotive nationalist symbols like his predecessor. In a speech during the union of Russia and the Black Sea peninsula, Putin castigated 'national traitors' who were on a west-sanctioned mission to subvert Russia (Hille). Putin is like a tsar who enjoys an 80% approval rating. He captured the oil and gas corporations from the oligarchs, and hence all influence and money flow from him downwards ("A Tsar Is Born"). It has resonated soundly with citizens, especially those who feel aggrieved by the diminished power of Russia on the global stage. Supporters of the regime have taken Putin's words as a rallying call to build a strong, proud, and authoritarian state (Hille). Russians are proud of their past when the Soviet Union was huge and all-powerful. Most supporters of the regime are reminiscing the 'good old days' and wishing for a return.

Igor Dolutsky has been cursed and called unpatriotic for discussing the annexation of Crimea (Hille). It shows that Putin's regime is increasingly appealing to the youth in universities and elsewhere. The government had his book expunged from the curriculum ten years ago because he had printed unpalatable facts on Soviet history and offered criticisms on Vladimir Putin (Hille). It shows that the regime is heavy-handed and not open to any form of checks and balances. The government aims at shaping the public opinion of the citizens by influencing the available sources of information. Putin does not seem bothered by rules and matters like due process. The recent poisoning of Sergei Skripal in England has shown that the Russian regime will go to any lengths, including unconstitutional means, to enforce her decisions.

Reformers are widely blamed for the problems in Russia today, elections are mostly unfair, political opposition is intolerable, and the courts are not independent. Television media is tightly controlled, and there are no public displays of opposition (Lally & Englund). Some Russians were hopeful of journeying into a new democracy, but now they are resigned since the state is too powerful. The lack of a democratic setup is also creeping into the foreign policy activities. The Kremlin is known to use dirty tricks like disinformation to sow confusion among Western states and undermine the people's faith in democratic systems (Khodorkovsky). Leaders are threatened by the fact that Western doctrines might influence their people to demand better than they are getting. Putin has become too powerful that now people fear if he leaves there will be disarray in government, which reinforces his support ("A Tsar Is Born").

Conclusion

Russia, formerly the Soviet Union, is a country that is widely discussed in political science. Contemporary politics are heavily centered around Putin, and his system of governance. The Russian regime is undemocratic, nationalistic, anti-reformist, and heavy-handed in its processes. Putin is highly untrusting of the West, and this has advised his confrontational foreign policy. Russians are torn between authentic democracy and the lure of global recognition and dominance, once again.

References

"A Tsar Is Born." The Economist, 26 October. 2017, www.economist.com/news/leaders/21730645-world-marks-centenary-october-revolution-russia-once-again-under-rule. Accessed 9 Apr 2018.

Hille, Kathrine. Putin: Russia's Great Propagandist. Ft. Com, 15 April. 2014, www.ft.com/content/3c8495d0-c0ba-11e3-a74d-00144feabdc0. Accessed 9 Apr 2018.

Khodorkovsky, Mikhail. A Problem Much Bigger Than Putin. Nytimes.Com, 12 September. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/opinion/putin-russia-mikhail-khodorkovsky.html. Accessed 9 Apr 2018.

Lally, Kathy, and Will Englund. Russia, Once Almost A Democracy. Washington Post, 18 August. 2011, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russia-once-almost-a-democracy/2011/08/12/gIQAMriNOJ_story.html?utm_term=.d49a973e68f0. Accessed 9 Apr 2018.

Tafel, Heather L. "Beyond "Putin's Russia": Society and Politics in A Changing Russia." International Studies Review, vol 16, no. 3, 2014, pp. 478-484. Oxford University Press (OUP), doi:10.1111/misr.12141.