russia q+a flashcards

When did Putin begin his political career?

After resigning from the KGB in 1991.

What major role did Putin take on in 1999?

Acting Prime Minister, then acting President after Yeltsin's resignation.

When was Putin first elected president?

2000.

What factors contribute to Putin’s continued rule?

Economic management, assertive foreign policy, nationalism, strongman image, and repression of dissent.

What was Russia’s economy like when Putin first took office?

Bad economy with high poverty, alcoholism, and life expectancy decline.

What energy resources does Russia produce?

Oil, natural gas, coal.

How did Putin improve Russia's economy?

Key economic reforms and use of energy export revenue.

What event involved Russia annexing Crimea?

A covert operation by Russian troops in 2014, citing strategic and ethnic ties.

What happened in Ukraine in 2020?

Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to international condemnation and a refugee crisis.

How does Putin justify the Crimea annexation and Ukraine war?

As expressions of Russian nationalism.

What has Putin done for the Russian Orthodox Church?

Funded church rebuilds and appeared at celebrations.

What is Putin’s annual call-in show?

A show where average Russians can talk to the president directly.

What has Putin done to silence opposition?

Jailed dissidents, harassed journalists, and targeted opponents.

How has Putin impacted Russia’s political system?

Centralized power in the executive; Russia is classified as "not free" by Freedom House.

How has civil rights been affected under Putin?

Attacks on civil rights, weak rule of law, and high corruption.

What characterized Russia by 1660?

It was the largest country in the world, a vast, multiethnic empire ruled by an absolute monarchy.

What did Tsar Nicholas II create in 1905?

The State Duma, Russia's first elected legislature.

Who overthrew the provisional government in 1917?

The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin.

When was the Soviet Union officially established?

1922.

What was Stalin's major economic policy?

Rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture.

What did Stalin use to eliminate opposition?

Mass repression, secret police, and gulags (forced labor camps).

What marked the decline of the Soviet Union in the 1970s?

Economic stagnation and a widening gap with Western economies.

Who introduced reforms in the 1980s that led to the USSR's collapse?

Mikhail Gorbachev, with policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).

When did Russia officially emerge as an independent state?

December 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

What was the result of Yeltsin’s "shock therapy" in the 1990s?

Severe inflation, job losses, and economic instability.

What group gained control of industries after privatization?

The oligarchs, powerful businessmen who acquired key industries.

What helped stabilize Russia's economy under Putin?

Rising oil prices in the 2000s.

What key event boosted Putin's national pride in 2014?

The annexation of Crimea.

What is Russia’s federal system?

Asymmetrical federalism, where regions have varying degrees of power.

What major conflict occurred in Chechnya in the 1990s and 2000s?

Two brutal wars over Chechnya’s push for independence.

How did Putin centralize power in Russia?

Created federal districts with presidential representatives, reducing regional autonomy.

What did Putin abolish in 2004 to weaken regional power?

Gubernatorial elections, replacing them with presidential appointments.

What is the State Council?

An advisory body composed of regional governors to manage regional leadership.

What did the 2020 constitutional amendments allow Putin to do?

Reset his and Medvedev's term limits. Extend his rule until 2036.

What triggered international sanctions against Russia in 2014?

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and actions in Ukraine.

What happened to Alexei Navalny in 2020 and 2021?

He was poisoned in 2020 and imprisoned in 2021 on politically motivated charges.

What challenges does Russia face to its long-term stability?

Economic sanctions, political opposition, and growing international isolation.

What type of executive system does Russia have?

A semi-presidential system with a dual executive (President and Prime Minister).

What is the role of the Russian President?

The President is the head of state, dominating political authority and overseeing foreign policy, defense, and key ministries.

How long is the President’s term in Russia?

The President used to be elected every 4 years, but in 2008, terms were extended to 6 years.

Who appoints the Prime Minister in Russia?

The President appoints the Prime Minister, who must be approved by the Duma.

What happens if the Duma rejects the President’s choice for Prime Minister three times?

The Duma is dissolved, and new elections are held.

What power does the Russian President have over regional governors?

The President can dismiss regional governors and submits a list of candidates for gubernatorial elections.

What is the Federation Council's role?

The Federation Council reviews and can reject laws passed by the Duma and has authority over troop deployments, treaty ratifications, and regional boundaries.

What is the weakness of the Russian Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister lacks an independent power base and primarily manages policy implementation.

What is the impeachment process for the President?

The President can be impeached by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, though this has only been attempted once and failed.

What electoral system is used to elect the State Duma members?

A mixed electoral system: 225 seats from SMDs (Single Member Districts) and 225 seats from proportional representation with a 7% threshold.

What are the State Duma's responsibilities?

Debates and passes laws, confirms or rejects the Prime Minister, appoints key officials, and can impeach the President.

What is the Federation Council's composition?

170 deputies: one selected by regional governors and one by regional legislatures.

What powers does the Federation Council have?

It has authority over troop deployments, treaty ratification, modifying regional boundaries, and approving presidential nominations for the Constitutional and Supreme Courts.

What does the Russian Supreme Court do?

It serves as the final court of appeals for cases that have worked through the legal system.

What is the role of the Constitutional Court in Russia?

It holds both concrete and abstract review powers, ruling on specific cases and issues without a case before it.

How does judicial review work in Russia?

The Constitutional Court can theoretically overrule actions by other branches but rarely exercises this due to executive control over judicial appointments.

What issue weakens the rule of law in Russia?

Rampant corruption, including bribery and undue political influence, weakens the legal system.

How is the judicial system used politically in Russia?

The judiciary is often used to target political opponents, as seen in high-profile cases like the prosecution of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the Pussy Riot arrest.

What happens if no candidate wins a majority in the first round of a Russian presidential election?

A runoff election is held between the top two candidates.

What is the history of Putin’s presidential victories?

2000: Won with 53%, 2004: Re-elected with 71%, 2012: Won with 65%, 2018: Secured 77%, but Alexei Navalny was barred from running.

What occurred during Medvedev’s presidency (2008-2012)?

Medvedev won in 2008 with 71%, appointed Putin as prime minister, and they switched positions again in 2012.

What happened in the 2011 elections regarding United Russia?

United Russia’s share of votes dropped from 70% to 53%, reflecting public dissatisfaction.

What laws did Putin and the Duma pass after the 2012 protests?

Laws increasing penalties for unauthorized protests and intensifying restrictions on civil

How did Putin run in the 2018 election?

He ran as an independent rather than as the United Russia candidate to increase legitimacy.

What was the effect of the 2013 electoral reform on the Duma?

It created a mixed electoral system, benefiting United Russia and making it difficult for smaller parties to gain traction.

What barriers to opposition exist in Russia's electoral system?

Small parties face a 7% threshold, and independent candidates often join United Russia for political advantages.

How has the number of political parties in Russia changed since Putin’s rise?

The number of parties has decreased significantly, with only five parties winning more than one seat in the 2021 elections.

What role does the Central Election Commission (CEC) play in Russia?

The CEC controls candidate registration, which benefits established Duma parties and hinders new parties from competing.

What is United Russia’s role in Russian politics?

United Russia is a conservative, nationalist party that supports Putin’s regime, founded in 2001. It has dominated the Duma since 2007.

What electoral system changes helped United Russia maintain dominance?

Changes in 2003 and 2013 shifted the system to benefit United Russia, reducing the number of competing parties and making it difficult for independents.

What happened in the 2021 Duma elections regarding other parties?

Four other parties won seats, but United Russia maintained control over the Duma.

What is the role of interest groups in Russia?

Interest groups are weak, and those critical of the government are often labeled as disloyal.

What law restricts nonpolitical groups in Russia?

A 2012 law requires any group engaging in political activity and receiving foreign assistance to register as a "foreign agent."

What sparked protests in Russia in 2011-2012?

Alleged electoral fraud in the December 2011 parliamentary elections led to large-scale protests demanding fairer elections.

What was Alexei Navalny’s Smart Vote Campaign?

Navalny used social media to encourage votes against United Russia, resulting in a drop in United Russia’s Duma control from 70% to 53%.

What challenges do LGBTQ activists face in Russia?

Putin has used traditional Russian cultural values to justify anti-LGBTQ laws, including a 2013 "anti-gay propaganda" law and a 2020 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

What is the impact of LGBTQ activism in Russia?

Despite harsh restrictions, LGBTQ activists have mobilized protests and gained international attention, leading to some victories, like the scrapping of a law against transgender rights in 2020.

What is the typical purpose of referendums in nondemocratic regimes like Russia?

Nondemocratic regimes use referendums to create the appearance of public support while reinforcing regime power.

What was the result of Boris Yeltsin's 1993 referendum on the new constitution?

The constitution was approved by 58% of voters, but concerns about ballot destruction raised questions about its legitimacy.

How did the government encourage voter participation in Putin’s 2020 referendum?

The government offered prizes such as raffles for cars and apartments.

What is the role of civil society under Putin's regime?

Civil society is limited, with the government sanctioning pro-regime groups like Nashi and Victory Volunteers, while restricting independent groups.

What happened during the 2011 and 2012 protests in Russia?

The protests, fueled by election fraud and economic decline, led to limited concessions from the government but also resulted in tighter restrictions on NGOs.

How has the Russian government targeted media and free speech?

Journalists critical of the regime have been prosecuted, and artists have been targeted under laws banning disrespect toward authorities.

How has the Russian government controlled the internet?

The government has implemented laws criminalizing "fake news" and "insulting the government," increasing censorship and surveillance of online activity.

What ethnic groups make up the majority and minority populations in Russia?

Ethnic Russians make up 81% of the population, while significant minorities include Tatars, Ukrainians, and Chechens.

What was the outcome of the Chechen Wars for Russia?

The wars resulted in military victories for Russia but also highlighted tensions with ethnic minorities, particularly Chechens.

How did the government respond to terrorist attacks in Chechnya, such as the Moscow Theater Hostage Crisis?

The government seized control of media outlets, curtailed civil liberties, and increased central power over regional governments.

What is the role of Ramzan Kadyrov in Chechnya?

Kadyrov, a close ally of Putin, governs Chechnya with strong support from Moscow, despite allegations of human rights violations.

What is Putin's criticism of globalization?

Putin contends that globalization has failed, citing slowing income growth, less poverty reduction, and rising income inequality.

What do Russian experts believe about globalization in 2021?

Russian experts labeled globalization as destructive economically, culturally, and politically, contributing to a worldwide revolt.

How is Russia reacting to Western globalization?

Russia is charting its own path, focusing on national sovereignty and self-determination, and seeks to reform what it perceives as flaws in Western globalization.

What is Russia’s stance on international law?

In 2020, Russia approved constitutional amendments asserting that Russian law supersedes international law, reflecting its desire to maintain sovereignty.

What were Putin's key economic actions in his early presidency?

Putin targeted key oligarchs, taking control of media and the energy sector, shifting towards renationalization, with oil revenues becoming a key source of income.

What is the resource curse in the context of Russia’s economy?

Russia’s overreliance on oil exemplifies the resource curse, where dependence on a natural resource hinders economic diversification and creates instability.

What was the impact of the 2008 global recession on Russia?

The recession caused oil price declines, stock market drops, and increased unemployment, but a $200 billion stimulus helped recovery as oil prices rebounded.

How has Russia’s oil dependence affected its economic growth?

While high oil prices funded social programs, Russia’s dependence on oil exports led to slower GDP growth in later years, exposing vulnerabilities.

What social programs are part of Russia’s welfare state?

Russia’s welfare state includes pensions for retirees and universal health care, though access to quality care is unequal, especially in rural areas.

How has Russia’s pension system been impacted by demographic challenges?

The aging population and shrinking working-age population make Russia’s pension system unsustainable, leading to reforms such as raising the retirement age.

What is contributing to Russia’s population decline?

Russia faces a population crisis due to declining fertility rates, high mortality rates, and a shrinking working-age population.

What measures has Russia taken to address demographic challenges?

Russia has implemented cash incentives for families, created a National Day of Conception, and offered tax breaks and benefits to encourage population growth.

How did Russia respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Russia implemented lockdowns, closed schools, and claimed government preparedness, though limited testing and underreported infections suggested otherwise.

What economic challenges did Russia face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic caused a 6% contraction in GDP, worsened by the reliance on oil revenue, with key sectors like manufacturing and mining experiencing negative growth.