Russia Vocab

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the Soviet Union and contemporary Russian politics.

Soviet Union (USSR)

A communist state that existed from 1922-1991, characterized by one-party rule under the Communist Party and a command economy.

Glasnost

Gorbachev's policy of political openness and transparency that allowed increased freedom of expression and criticism of the government in the 1980s.

Perestroika

Gorbachev's economic restructuring policy that introduced limited market reforms and decentralization to the Soviet economy.

Command economy

An economic system where the government controls production, distribution, and pricing rather than market forces.

Shock therapy

Rapid economic reforms in the 1990s that quickly transitioned Russia from communism to capitalism through privatization and market liberalization.

Oligarchs

Wealthy business elites who gained control of state assets during privatization in the 1990s and wielded significant political influence.

Semi-presidential system

A political system where both a president and prime minister share executive power, with the president typically handling foreign policy and the prime minister managing domestic administration.

State Duma

The lower house of Russia's Federal Assembly with 450 members who pass legislation and must confirm the president's choice for prime minister.

Federation Council

The upper house of Russia's Federal Assembly with representatives from Russia's regions who review legislation passed by the Duma.

United Russia

The dominant political party in Russia that consistently wins large majorities in elections and supports President Putin's policies.

Vertical of power

Putin's system of centralizing political control by reducing regional autonomy and strengthening the federal government's authority over all levels of governance.

Proportional representation (PR)

An electoral system where parties receive seats in the legislature based on their percentage of the total vote.

Mixed electoral system

Russia's former Duma election method combining single-member districts with proportional representation.

Competitive Authoritarian System

An illiberal democratic regime that holds regular elections but uses state resources, media control, and legal restrictions to prevent genuine competition.

Rentier state

A government that derives much of its revenue from natural resource exports (oil and gas) rather than taxation of a diverse economy.

Resource curse

The economic phenomenon where countries with abundant natural resources experience slower growth, corruption, and authoritarian governance.

Nationalization

The process of transferring privately-owned companies or assets to state control.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs)

Companies controlled by the government that dominate key sectors of the Russian economy, particularly energy.

Economic sanctions

International penalties restricting trade and financial transactions, imposed on Russia after the 2014 Crimea annexation and 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Civil society

Independent organizations, NGOs, and civic groups that operate outside government control and can advocate for citizens' interests.

Foreign agent law

Legislation requiring organizations that receive international funding and engage in political activity to register and label themselves as foreign agents.

State-controlled media

Television, newspapers, and other outlets owned or heavily influenced by the government to shape public opinion.

Censorship

Government suppression or control of information, media content, and freedom of expression.

Political culture

The attitudes, beliefs, and values that shape how citizens view their government and participate in politics.

Legitimacy

The public acceptance of a government's right to rule and make binding decisions.

Performance legitimacy

Government authority based on delivering economic growth, security, and improved living standards rather than democratic processes.

Nationalism

Political ideology emphasizing national pride, sovereignty, and the interests of one's nation above others.

Political participation

The ways citizens engage with government, including voting, protests, joining parties, or contacting officials.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by strong centralized power, limited political freedoms, and restricted opposition.

Democratic consolidation

The process by which democratic institutions, practices, and values become deeply established and accepted in a society.

Rule of law

The principle that all people and institutions, including the government, are accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced.

Political socialization

The process through which individuals develop their political attitudes, values, and behaviors.

Patron-Clientelism

A political system based on exchanging goods, services, or benefits for political support rather than programmatic policy platforms.

Chechnya

A predominantly Muslim region in the North Caucasus that fought two wars for independence against Russia in the 1990s-2000s.

Federal subjects

The administrative divisions of Russia including republics, oblasts, and autonomous regions with varying degrees of autonomy.

Centralization

The concentration of political power and decision-making authority in the federal government and presidency.

Dependency ratio

The proportion of non-working-age population (children and elderly) to working-age population in a society.

Privatization

The transfer of state-owned enterprises to private ownership, which occurred rapidly and controversially in 1990s Russia.

Coercion

The use of force, threats, or pressure to compel political behavior or compliance with government demands.