The Transformation of the Russian Political System in the International Context Cover Image

Преобразование российской политической системы в международном контексте
The Transformation of the Russian Political System in the International Context

Author(s): R. Toth
Subject(s): History
Published by: Издательство Исторического факультета СПбГУ
Keywords: transformation of statehood; symbols of regime; elites; stability of systemж efficiency of governance

Summary/Abstract: Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. Moreover, it has a superpower legacy that it would like to preserve. Superpower traditions and ambitions, therefore, stimulate some of Russia’s ongoing transformation. Yet Russia must be accepted by its own citizens as well. This requites popular confidence in national values and political leaders. Traditionally, social elites play a big role in this process. However, in Russia, these elites appeared during the process of privatization, which was cast in a negative light. Therefore, the formation of a trustworthy elite in politics and economics is only in its beginning stages, which in turn slows the transformation of political and social system. Each system has formal and informal symbols. Insufficient attention is given to this symbolism in modern day Russia, despite the fact that it could mobilize the population. Russia must also use its state structure to manifest its identity. Problems exist, however, concerning the compatibility of state structures and civilizational structures. This requires more efficient ways to be found to draw citizens into public affairs and increase the extent to which political decisions reflect public opinion. This task is complicated by the fact that Russia is large and socially and regionally heterogeneous. Apart from that, the content of this lobbying ought to be defined more precisely so it does not transform a democratic system into an oligarchic one.

  • Issue Year: 4/2014
  • Issue No: 09
  • Page Range: 190-202
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Russian