AP Comp Gov: Russia

Illiberal democracy

Governments with elections that are not completely free and fair, and/or lacking some civil rights and liberties → have both authoritarian and democratic elements (Nigeria during the Republics, Mexico, Russia (Putin still gets elected))

Command economy

The government, or a central authority, controls and manages the economy, dictating what is produced, how it's produced, and who receives it, with little to no private ownership or individual economic freedom

Democratization

is the transition from an authoritarian state to an illiberal democracy to a liberal democracy 

Asymmetrical federalism

In which different constituent states possess different powers: one or more of the substates has considerably more autonomy than the other substates, although they have the same constitutional status →  Russia (states that are ethnically Russian are allowed more power)

Charismatic legitimacy 

based on a ruler’s engaging personality

Nomenklatura

politically sensitive or influential jobs in the state, society, or economy staffed by people chosen or approved by the Communist Party

Politiburo

The top policy-making executive body (acts as a kind of cabinet and legislature, shaping national policy and deciding on party leadership with the Central Committee)

• Typically has 14 members

Oligarchs

A member of a small, elite group that holds power and makes decisions based on their own interests, rather than the general good, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, or social status.

Rentier states

• States that derive a significant portion of their revenues from rent (such as renting land to oil companies) 

  • Nigeria and Iran = problem (policies aren’t always in the best interest of the people since the goal is money) 

    • Natural resources prices can fluctuate (can bottom out → major impact on the economy