Lilia Shevtsova
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines Putin’s efforts to strengthen the state, which subjects society and individuals to its will. It argues that by cancelling out the democratic achievements of the Gorbachev and ...
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This chapter examines Putin’s efforts to strengthen the state, which subjects society and individuals to its will. It argues that by cancelling out the democratic achievements of the Gorbachev and Yeltsin years, Putin’s new rules have taken Russia back to the point from which it tried to move forward in the 1980s. In short, Putin’s leadership has traditionalist elements that negate the transformational paradigm.Less
This chapter examines Putin’s efforts to strengthen the state, which subjects society and individuals to its will. It argues that by cancelling out the democratic achievements of the Gorbachev and Yeltsin years, Putin’s new rules have taken Russia back to the point from which it tried to move forward in the 1980s. In short, Putin’s leadership has traditionalist elements that negate the transformational paradigm.
Alex Pravda (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This book features a collection of essays on Soviet and post-Soviet Russian politics. The essays focus on the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, his policies, how he compares with his ...
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This book features a collection of essays on Soviet and post-Soviet Russian politics. The essays focus on the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, his policies, how he compares with his predecessors, as well as changes in Russia’s political landscape. This volume is a present from colleagues and friends to Archie Brown on the occasion of his retirement as Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford and Professorial Fellow of St. Antony’s College. Brown has gained international recognition for his studies on the politics of Communist and post-Communist states, particularly Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. A bibliography of Brown’s complete works from the mid-1960s to the present is included.Less
This book features a collection of essays on Soviet and post-Soviet Russian politics. The essays focus on the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, his policies, how he compares with his predecessors, as well as changes in Russia’s political landscape. This volume is a present from colleagues and friends to Archie Brown on the occasion of his retirement as Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford and Professorial Fellow of St. Antony’s College. Brown has gained international recognition for his studies on the politics of Communist and post-Communist states, particularly Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. A bibliography of Brown’s complete works from the mid-1960s to the present is included.
William Tompson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
One of Vladimir Putin’s primary objectives as president was to re-establish the authority of the Russian state. He sought to strengthen the presidency by redefining the Kremlin’s relations with the ...
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One of Vladimir Putin’s primary objectives as president was to re-establish the authority of the Russian state. He sought to strengthen the presidency by redefining the Kremlin’s relations with the Federal Assembly, the regional elite, and the so-called oligarchs — wealthy tycoons who dominated Russian politics under Boris Yeltsin. This chapter examines how Putin went about pursuing his objective. It argues that no stable accommodation between Putin and oligarchs was possible, because both sides have strong incentives not to uphold terms of any deal.Less
One of Vladimir Putin’s primary objectives as president was to re-establish the authority of the Russian state. He sought to strengthen the presidency by redefining the Kremlin’s relations with the Federal Assembly, the regional elite, and the so-called oligarchs — wealthy tycoons who dominated Russian politics under Boris Yeltsin. This chapter examines how Putin went about pursuing his objective. It argues that no stable accommodation between Putin and oligarchs was possible, because both sides have strong incentives not to uphold terms of any deal.
Jeffrey Kahn
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246991
- eISBN:
- 9780191599606
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246998.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
The first year of Putin's presidency resulted in the most concerted and fundamental shake‐up of federal relations since 1993. Putin ended the bilateral treaty process and vowed to create a ...
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The first year of Putin's presidency resulted in the most concerted and fundamental shake‐up of federal relations since 1993. Putin ended the bilateral treaty process and vowed to create a ‘Dictatorship of Law’. Putin's reforms are examined in detail, including the creation of presidential envoys (polpredy) and federal districts, the quasi‐judicial use of presidential decrees (ukazy), reform of the Council of the Federation, growing federal influence of regional executives and legislatures, and local self‐government. These dramatic changes led to the reform of republican constitutions and a new stage in federal‐regional relations.Less
The first year of Putin's presidency resulted in the most concerted and fundamental shake‐up of federal relations since 1993. Putin ended the bilateral treaty process and vowed to create a ‘Dictatorship of Law’. Putin's reforms are examined in detail, including the creation of presidential envoys (polpredy) and federal districts, the quasi‐judicial use of presidential decrees (ukazy), reform of the Council of the Federation, growing federal influence of regional executives and legislatures, and local self‐government. These dramatic changes led to the reform of republican constitutions and a new stage in federal‐regional relations.
Neil Melvin
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
Putin’s reform of the Russian Federation can be viewed as both promoting and restricting democracy. While moves to challenge the democracy of Russia’s regions can be seen as a positive step, ...
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Putin’s reform of the Russian Federation can be viewed as both promoting and restricting democracy. While moves to challenge the democracy of Russia’s regions can be seen as a positive step, considerable doubts remain about whether the reforms involved gains in terms of democracy and effectiveness. Beyond increased stability, there is little evidence that the regional reforms fundamentally altered the networks of political and economic relationships that underpinned regional activism and the non-democratic regimes of many regions in the 1990s.Less
Putin’s reform of the Russian Federation can be viewed as both promoting and restricting democracy. While moves to challenge the democracy of Russia’s regions can be seen as a positive step, considerable doubts remain about whether the reforms involved gains in terms of democracy and effectiveness. Beyond increased stability, there is little evidence that the regional reforms fundamentally altered the networks of political and economic relationships that underpinned regional activism and the non-democratic regimes of many regions in the 1990s.
Leslie Holmes
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines recent developments in Russian leadership politics within the context of post-Communist leadership and state-building. It argues that those who hoped Putin would turn Russia ...
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This chapter examines recent developments in Russian leadership politics within the context of post-Communist leadership and state-building. It argues that those who hoped Putin would turn Russia into a strong state underestimated the scale of the task, while those who believed that Putin was inherently authoritarian underestimated the need for strong leadership in Russia. A customized, relativistic, and dynamic approach to Russia’s transition is needed, rather than one based on Western ideals, expectations, and conditions.Less
This chapter examines recent developments in Russian leadership politics within the context of post-Communist leadership and state-building. It argues that those who hoped Putin would turn Russia into a strong state underestimated the scale of the task, while those who believed that Putin was inherently authoritarian underestimated the need for strong leadership in Russia. A customized, relativistic, and dynamic approach to Russia’s transition is needed, rather than one based on Western ideals, expectations, and conditions.
George W. Breslauer
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines the leadership of Vladimir Putin from the perspective of consolidative regimes in Soviet and post-Soviet history. It focuses on the New Economic Policy from 1921-27, period of ...
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This chapter examines the leadership of Vladimir Putin from the perspective of consolidative regimes in Soviet and post-Soviet history. It focuses on the New Economic Policy from 1921-27, period of ‘high Stalinism’, Brezhnev’s consolidative regime, and Yeltsin’s consolidative phase. It argues that Putin seeks — with varying levels of success and failure — to simultaneously liberalize much of the economy and to integrate it into global capitalism, while pushing the political system back towards greater authoritarianism, greater central control over regions, breaking the power of selected economic tycoons, and ensuring that Moscow retains dominant influence over the energy and resources sector.Less
This chapter examines the leadership of Vladimir Putin from the perspective of consolidative regimes in Soviet and post-Soviet history. It focuses on the New Economic Policy from 1921-27, period of ‘high Stalinism’, Brezhnev’s consolidative regime, and Yeltsin’s consolidative phase. It argues that Putin seeks — with varying levels of success and failure — to simultaneously liberalize much of the economy and to integrate it into global capitalism, while pushing the political system back towards greater authoritarianism, greater central control over regions, breaking the power of selected economic tycoons, and ensuring that Moscow retains dominant influence over the energy and resources sector.
Stephen Whitefield
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines how and why ordinary Russians evaluate their presidents and their political system, and support Vladimir Putin and others electorally. The results highlight the ambiguities ...
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This chapter examines how and why ordinary Russians evaluate their presidents and their political system, and support Vladimir Putin and others electorally. The results highlight the ambiguities about Putin and his democracy. Those who support Putin tend to be more committed to democratic norms than other Russians. There are Russians who favour leadership with a ‘strong hand’, but are not drawn to Putin. Thus, Putin may be faced with a difficult and untimely political choice — between his own supporters and his tendency to pursue anti-democratic policies.Less
This chapter examines how and why ordinary Russians evaluate their presidents and their political system, and support Vladimir Putin and others electorally. The results highlight the ambiguities about Putin and his democracy. Those who support Putin tend to be more committed to democratic norms than other Russians. There are Russians who favour leadership with a ‘strong hand’, but are not drawn to Putin. Thus, Putin may be faced with a difficult and untimely political choice — between his own supporters and his tendency to pursue anti-democratic policies.
Eugene Huskey
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter discusses the emergence of a new form of patronage politics under the Putin presidency. Patronage politics is not limited to the political appointees who serve at the pleasure of elected ...
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This chapter discusses the emergence of a new form of patronage politics under the Putin presidency. Patronage politics is not limited to the political appointees who serve at the pleasure of elected leaders, often as senior staff members or management cadres in the core executive. Elected officials, permanent civil servants, and leaders of business and non-government organizations are also subject to a spoils system that allows federal and regional leaders to influence personnel decisions in ways that endanger political pluralism.Less
This chapter discusses the emergence of a new form of patronage politics under the Putin presidency. Patronage politics is not limited to the political appointees who serve at the pleasure of elected leaders, often as senior staff members or management cadres in the core executive. Elected officials, permanent civil servants, and leaders of business and non-government organizations are also subject to a spoils system that allows federal and regional leaders to influence personnel decisions in ways that endanger political pluralism.
Jeffrey Kahn
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246991
- eISBN:
- 9780191599606
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246998.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This book examines the development of Russia's current federal system of government from its Soviet origins, through Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms, to the presidencies of Boris Yeltsin and the early ...
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This book examines the development of Russia's current federal system of government from its Soviet origins, through Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms, to the presidencies of Boris Yeltsin and the early years of Vladimir Putin. The theoretical relationship between democracy, law, and federalism is examined with a focus on its application to the study of post‐authoritarian state systems. Federal institutions shape political agendas in the constituent units of a federation just as much as those units influence the shape of the federal whole. Case studies focus on Russia's 21 ethnic ‘republics’ (out of 89 units in a complicated multi‐level federal hierarchy) using previously unpublished primary source materials, including official documents and interviews with key participants on a variety of institutional levels.Less
This book examines the development of Russia's current federal system of government from its Soviet origins, through Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms, to the presidencies of Boris Yeltsin and the early years of Vladimir Putin. The theoretical relationship between democracy, law, and federalism is examined with a focus on its application to the study of post‐authoritarian state systems. Federal institutions shape political agendas in the constituent units of a federation just as much as those units influence the shape of the federal whole. Case studies focus on Russia's 21 ethnic ‘republics’ (out of 89 units in a complicated multi‐level federal hierarchy) using previously unpublished primary source materials, including official documents and interviews with key participants on a variety of institutional levels.
Alex Pravda
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines the changing leadership of Vladimir Putin. Most observers initially saw Putin as a transactional leader; with his practical and technocratic approach to fixing problems, he ...
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This chapter examines the changing leadership of Vladimir Putin. Most observers initially saw Putin as a transactional leader; with his practical and technocratic approach to fixing problems, he appeared more a prudent manager than political leader. However, as he moved towards his second term, his increased assertion of executive powers has prompted some observers to revise their optimism regarding Russia’s prospects for democracy, viewing Putin’s actions as a possible turn towards dictatorial rule.Less
This chapter examines the changing leadership of Vladimir Putin. Most observers initially saw Putin as a transactional leader; with his practical and technocratic approach to fixing problems, he appeared more a prudent manager than political leader. However, as he moved towards his second term, his increased assertion of executive powers has prompted some observers to revise their optimism regarding Russia’s prospects for democracy, viewing Putin’s actions as a possible turn towards dictatorial rule.
Andrei Grachev
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0013
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
This chapter examines the foreign policies of Vladimir Putin. A ‘Putin Doctrine’ has emerged in at least two main spheres: in Moscow’s behaviour towards former Soviet republics — the new states that ...
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This chapter examines the foreign policies of Vladimir Putin. A ‘Putin Doctrine’ has emerged in at least two main spheres: in Moscow’s behaviour towards former Soviet republics — the new states that make up Russia’s ‘near abroad’; and the changing tone of Russia’s relations with the West, with important nuances distinguishing its Moscow’s policy towards the US and its dealing with Europe. Its policies towards China, Japan, and the revival of any kind of global strategy remained underdeveloped.Less
This chapter examines the foreign policies of Vladimir Putin. A ‘Putin Doctrine’ has emerged in at least two main spheres: in Moscow’s behaviour towards former Soviet republics — the new states that make up Russia’s ‘near abroad’; and the changing tone of Russia’s relations with the West, with important nuances distinguishing its Moscow’s policy towards the US and its dealing with Europe. Its policies towards China, Japan, and the revival of any kind of global strategy remained underdeveloped.
Edwin Bacon, Bettina Renz, and Julian Cooper
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719072246
- eISBN:
- 9781781701317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719072246.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter explores the role of the siloviki (that is, personnel from the ‘force structures’ or ‘power ministries’, chiefly the security services, the armed forces, and the Ministry of Internal ...
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This chapter explores the role of the siloviki (that is, personnel from the ‘force structures’ or ‘power ministries’, chiefly the security services, the armed forces, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs) in Russian political life. It analyses the degree to which Vladimir Putin's administration has acted to boost the role of the force structures in Russia in the public space, concluding that the picture is not so straightforward as is often portrayed. It argues for a stronger emphasis on existing policies and procedures than on conclusions based simply on the provenance of individual politicians and officials. This chapter also investigates the perception that there is a clear divide between the eras of Putin and Boris Yeltsin in regard to the role and influence of siloviki in Russian politics and civil society. In regard to the question of the ‘spy-mania’ often cited as having developed during the Putin presidency, the chapter shows that this phenomenon also has its roots almost totally in the Yeltsin era, and indeed that some improvements in this regard can be found under Putin.Less
This chapter explores the role of the siloviki (that is, personnel from the ‘force structures’ or ‘power ministries’, chiefly the security services, the armed forces, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs) in Russian political life. It analyses the degree to which Vladimir Putin's administration has acted to boost the role of the force structures in Russia in the public space, concluding that the picture is not so straightforward as is often portrayed. It argues for a stronger emphasis on existing policies and procedures than on conclusions based simply on the provenance of individual politicians and officials. This chapter also investigates the perception that there is a clear divide between the eras of Putin and Boris Yeltsin in regard to the role and influence of siloviki in Russian politics and civil society. In regard to the question of the ‘spy-mania’ often cited as having developed during the Putin presidency, the chapter shows that this phenomenon also has its roots almost totally in the Yeltsin era, and indeed that some improvements in this regard can be found under Putin.
Paul Chaisty
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199276141
- eISBN:
- 9780191603341
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199276145.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Russian Politics
The relationship between the parliament and president has become more majoritarian under the Putin presidency, giving Putin a basis of political support not enjoyed by his predecessor. This chapter ...
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The relationship between the parliament and president has become more majoritarian under the Putin presidency, giving Putin a basis of political support not enjoyed by his predecessor. This chapter examines the partisan, institutional, and policy effects of this move towards majoritarianism. Despite the change in the nature of inter-branch relations, the executive’s dominance of the legislative sphere is not absolute. Putin remains constrained by the particularistic interests that hampered Yeltsin’s presidency. Nonetheless, the conflicts on legislation that previously spilled out on the floor of the assembly are now largely confined to the government’s party, United Russia.Less
The relationship between the parliament and president has become more majoritarian under the Putin presidency, giving Putin a basis of political support not enjoyed by his predecessor. This chapter examines the partisan, institutional, and policy effects of this move towards majoritarianism. Despite the change in the nature of inter-branch relations, the executive’s dominance of the legislative sphere is not absolute. Putin remains constrained by the particularistic interests that hampered Yeltsin’s presidency. Nonetheless, the conflicts on legislation that previously spilled out on the floor of the assembly are now largely confined to the government’s party, United Russia.
Marie Mendras
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199244096
- eISBN:
- 9780191600371
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019924409X.003.0019
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Addresses the question of how Western responsibility for the early promise and later disappointments of Russia's development in the 1990s should be assessed. It contends that internal dynamics and ...
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Addresses the question of how Western responsibility for the early promise and later disappointments of Russia's development in the 1990s should be assessed. It contends that internal dynamics and historic legacies have played a large part in shaping the behaviour of the Russian elite. The chapter focuses on Russia's relations with the democratic world, highlighting its attraction to Western, mainly European, ways of life and values, as well as a propensity for resisting influence and subordination. The chapter notes two major symptoms of a growing disregard for democratic rule, civil rights, and the rule of law: (1) the second war in Chechnya (2) Vladimir Putin's predetermined presidential election. The author points out to several reasons for the deterioration of democratic society in Russia's ‘new capitalism’: the flawed nature of elections, the pressure on powerful rivals not to compete, the scale of corruption and the frequency of financial‐political scandals. Nevertheless, the chapter also shows that in a number of cases Russia has demonstrated the will to play by international Western rules. Despite daunting internal problems, the opening of Russia and its immersion into the world of affairs has fundamentally changed the political environment.Less
Addresses the question of how Western responsibility for the early promise and later disappointments of Russia's development in the 1990s should be assessed. It contends that internal dynamics and historic legacies have played a large part in shaping the behaviour of the Russian elite. The chapter focuses on Russia's relations with the democratic world, highlighting its attraction to Western, mainly European, ways of life and values, as well as a propensity for resisting influence and subordination. The chapter notes two major symptoms of a growing disregard for democratic rule, civil rights, and the rule of law: (1) the second war in Chechnya (2) Vladimir Putin's predetermined presidential election. The author points out to several reasons for the deterioration of democratic society in Russia's ‘new capitalism’: the flawed nature of elections, the pressure on powerful rivals not to compete, the scale of corruption and the frequency of financial‐political scandals. Nevertheless, the chapter also shows that in a number of cases Russia has demonstrated the will to play by international Western rules. Despite daunting internal problems, the opening of Russia and its immersion into the world of affairs has fundamentally changed the political environment.
Edwin Bacon, Bettina Renz, and Julian Cooper
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719072246
- eISBN:
- 9781781701317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719072246.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
In September 1999, Russian federal forces moved into the Republic of Chechnya, a constituent part of the Russian Federation located in the North-Caucasus region. This military campaign came to be ...
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In September 1999, Russian federal forces moved into the Republic of Chechnya, a constituent part of the Russian Federation located in the North-Caucasus region. This military campaign came to be known as the second Chechen war, following on from the first Chechen war of 1994–1996, and an uneasy period of peace and de facto self-rule lasting for three years between 1996 and 1999. The existence of conflicting discourses in relation to the situation in Chechnya illuminates well the way in which Vladimir Putin's government, and particularly in this case Putin himself, have consciously used the discourse of securitisation in some settings, at the same time as employing the conflicting discourse of ‘de-securitisation’ or ‘normalisation’ in others. International criticism of Russia's actions in the republic has been countered by the insistence that the Chechen conflict is a key part of the war against terrorism. After describing Russia's counter-terrorism in Chechnya, this chapter discusses Putin's commitment to political normalisation through the support of accelerated reconstruction, social provisions, and economic recovery.Less
In September 1999, Russian federal forces moved into the Republic of Chechnya, a constituent part of the Russian Federation located in the North-Caucasus region. This military campaign came to be known as the second Chechen war, following on from the first Chechen war of 1994–1996, and an uneasy period of peace and de facto self-rule lasting for three years between 1996 and 1999. The existence of conflicting discourses in relation to the situation in Chechnya illuminates well the way in which Vladimir Putin's government, and particularly in this case Putin himself, have consciously used the discourse of securitisation in some settings, at the same time as employing the conflicting discourse of ‘de-securitisation’ or ‘normalisation’ in others. International criticism of Russia's actions in the republic has been countered by the insistence that the Chechen conflict is a key part of the war against terrorism. After describing Russia's counter-terrorism in Chechnya, this chapter discusses Putin's commitment to political normalisation through the support of accelerated reconstruction, social provisions, and economic recovery.
Kathryn E. Stoner
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780190860714
- eISBN:
- 9780190054571
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190860714.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union, Russian Politics
This chapter examines the purposes of Russian power projection abroad under the regime of Vladimir Putin. The chapter reviews the various dimensions of Russian power in international politics, ...
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This chapter examines the purposes of Russian power projection abroad under the regime of Vladimir Putin. The chapter reviews the various dimensions of Russian power in international politics, including its geographic domain in its immediate neighborhood and globally, as well as areas where Russian policy influence is particularly weighty. The chapter then looks briefly at different means of Russian power, like economy, conventional and nuclear defense capabilities, and human capital. It concludes that Russia is never as weak as it seems. Although it is not necessarily “the strongest” in all areas of international politics, Putin’s Russia has considerable usable power resources for the purposes of its leadership. The chapter then looks at the purposes of Russian power projection abroad. It looks first at realist arguments that insist Russia has national interests that any Russian regime would defend. These interests, according to this argument, are historically and geographically determined. Any Russian leader would seek to defend what is described as a “traditional sphere of influence.” In contrast, the author argues that Putin’s patronal autocracy has come to behave more aggressively in building and using Russia’s formidable power resources in order to maintain social stability for the sake of the regime’s survival. In this way, the chapter links Russian domestic politics to its foreign policies under Putin.Less
This chapter examines the purposes of Russian power projection abroad under the regime of Vladimir Putin. The chapter reviews the various dimensions of Russian power in international politics, including its geographic domain in its immediate neighborhood and globally, as well as areas where Russian policy influence is particularly weighty. The chapter then looks briefly at different means of Russian power, like economy, conventional and nuclear defense capabilities, and human capital. It concludes that Russia is never as weak as it seems. Although it is not necessarily “the strongest” in all areas of international politics, Putin’s Russia has considerable usable power resources for the purposes of its leadership. The chapter then looks at the purposes of Russian power projection abroad. It looks first at realist arguments that insist Russia has national interests that any Russian regime would defend. These interests, according to this argument, are historically and geographically determined. Any Russian leader would seek to defend what is described as a “traditional sphere of influence.” In contrast, the author argues that Putin’s patronal autocracy has come to behave more aggressively in building and using Russia’s formidable power resources in order to maintain social stability for the sake of the regime’s survival. In this way, the chapter links Russian domestic politics to its foreign policies under Putin.
Aleksandar Matovski
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- April 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190093488
- eISBN:
- 9780190093525
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190093488.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Politics
This chapter traces the roots of the popularity of Vladimir Putin—arguably the most important, controversial, and perplexing aspect of his reign. Based on his image of an indispensable strongman, ...
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This chapter traces the roots of the popularity of Vladimir Putin—arguably the most important, controversial, and perplexing aspect of his reign. Based on his image of an indispensable strongman, reversing Russia’s catastrophic post-Soviet decline, Putin’s popularity allowed him to consolidate an authoritarian regime largely through the ballot box and with minimal resort to coercion. But this strongman appeal faded as Russia began to stagnate under his reign. The chapter analyzes how Putin resuscitated his decaying brand with the interventions in Ukraine and Syria, and why he cannot back down from his dangerous crusade to “make Russia great again.”Less
This chapter traces the roots of the popularity of Vladimir Putin—arguably the most important, controversial, and perplexing aspect of his reign. Based on his image of an indispensable strongman, reversing Russia’s catastrophic post-Soviet decline, Putin’s popularity allowed him to consolidate an authoritarian regime largely through the ballot box and with minimal resort to coercion. But this strongman appeal faded as Russia began to stagnate under his reign. The chapter analyzes how Putin resuscitated his decaying brand with the interventions in Ukraine and Syria, and why he cannot back down from his dangerous crusade to “make Russia great again.”
Edwin Bacon, Bettina Renz, and Julian Cooper
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719072246
- eISBN:
- 9781781701317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719072246.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
For most of the twentieth century Russia was markedly more authoritarian than it is today. Nonetheless, many observers of Russia in the first decade of the twenty-first century see a country ...
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For most of the twentieth century Russia was markedly more authoritarian than it is today. Nonetheless, many observers of Russia in the first decade of the twenty-first century see a country increasingly moving back to authoritarianism, in comparison with the democratising moves and mood of the 1990s. This chapter places developments in contemporary Russia within the empirical and analytical contexts of the post-Soviet period. There is an apparent duality about both of these contexts, and this duality is centred on the issue of democratisation. Since President Putin's election in 2000, many observers have remarked on the ‘two faces’ of Vladimir Putin — is he a democratic or an authoritarian leader? Legitimate though this question undoubtedly is, this chapter argues that its inherent duality arises partly from the dominant analytical frameworks of the post-Soviet era, and militates against a more holistic and explanatory understanding of the current Russian regime. It also outlines the securitisation approach and assesses its applicability to domestic politics in contemporary Russia, focusing on areas such as security and the Chechen conflict, economic policy, and migration policy.Less
For most of the twentieth century Russia was markedly more authoritarian than it is today. Nonetheless, many observers of Russia in the first decade of the twenty-first century see a country increasingly moving back to authoritarianism, in comparison with the democratising moves and mood of the 1990s. This chapter places developments in contemporary Russia within the empirical and analytical contexts of the post-Soviet period. There is an apparent duality about both of these contexts, and this duality is centred on the issue of democratisation. Since President Putin's election in 2000, many observers have remarked on the ‘two faces’ of Vladimir Putin — is he a democratic or an authoritarian leader? Legitimate though this question undoubtedly is, this chapter argues that its inherent duality arises partly from the dominant analytical frameworks of the post-Soviet era, and militates against a more holistic and explanatory understanding of the current Russian regime. It also outlines the securitisation approach and assesses its applicability to domestic politics in contemporary Russia, focusing on areas such as security and the Chechen conflict, economic policy, and migration policy.
Timothy J. Colton
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780814785003
- eISBN:
- 9780814785010
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9780814785003.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter examines the problem of political leadership in Russia, with a particular emphasis on the tandem arrangement involving its present incumbents. It offers a range of scenarios for 2012 and ...
More
This chapter examines the problem of political leadership in Russia, with a particular emphasis on the tandem arrangement involving its present incumbents. It offers a range of scenarios for 2012 and beyond, all highly interesting and relevant to the central issue of whether or not the nominal leaders are capable of leading the country into a higher orbit of development. The chapter emphasizes the need for political reform and the personalities capable of exacting change, even as it notes that political change is not the highest priority for Dmitrii Medvedev, let alone for Vladimir Putin, whose opinion counts for more, though they both understand that Russia cannot do without a diversified, dynamic economic base. In the end, whichever outcome materializes in the 2012 election, the key factor for Russia's modernization lies in its leadership.Less
This chapter examines the problem of political leadership in Russia, with a particular emphasis on the tandem arrangement involving its present incumbents. It offers a range of scenarios for 2012 and beyond, all highly interesting and relevant to the central issue of whether or not the nominal leaders are capable of leading the country into a higher orbit of development. The chapter emphasizes the need for political reform and the personalities capable of exacting change, even as it notes that political change is not the highest priority for Dmitrii Medvedev, let alone for Vladimir Putin, whose opinion counts for more, though they both understand that Russia cannot do without a diversified, dynamic economic base. In the end, whichever outcome materializes in the 2012 election, the key factor for Russia's modernization lies in its leadership.
