Russia - Vocab 1

Asymmetric Federalism

A federal system where power is not distributed equally among the different states or regions.

Bolsheviks

A radical faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, who seized power in Russia during the October Revolution of 1917, establishing a communist government based on Marxist principles and ultimately forming the Soviet Union.

Clientelistic Networks

Informal systems of asymmetrical power in which a powerful patron (e.g., the president, prime minister, or governor) offers less powerful clients resources, benefits, or career advantages in return for support, loyalty, or services.

Collectivization

A process by which agricultural land was removed from private ownership and organized into large state and collective farms.

Communism

A political and economic system where the means of production (factories, land, etc.) are collectively owned by the community and goods are distributed based on need, typically advocating for a classless society achieved through a revolutionary overthrow of the existing capitalist system.

Constitution of 1993

Something which established a semi-presidential system in Russia, marking a significant shift towards a more democratic government following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Democratic Centralism

A political system where decisions are made democratically through discussion and voting within a party, but once a decision is made, all members are expected to follow it strictly, essentially prioritizing party unity and discipline over individual dissent.

Five Year Plans

A series of centralized economic initiatives introduced by the Soviet Union, beginning in 1928, aimed at rapidly industrializing the economy and collectivizing agriculture.

Glasnost

A policy of "openness" or transparency, particularly implemented by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which allowed for increased freedom of speech and public discussion about political and social issues within the Soviet Union, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Soviet regime.

Gorbachev, Mikhail

Refers to the last leader of the Soviet Union, who is most notably known for his policies of "glasnost" (openness) and "perestroika" (restructuring), which aimed to reform the Soviet system but ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and marked a significant turning point in the Cold War.

Lenin, Vladimir

Russian communist revolutionary, politician and political theorist. He over threw the czarist government and became the first communist leader in Russia. He was the main creator of communism.

Marxism-Lenninism

A political theory that emphasizes the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism, the establishment of a socialist state, and the eventual achievement of communism through class struggle.

Medvedev, Dmitri

Served as Putin's prime minister and Putin appointed him as president; when he was president, appointed Putin as his prime minister; handled domestic and social affairs while Putin handled foreign affairs. (not the PM or President anymore).

Nomenklatura

A system of selective appointments and a list of influential positions within a political system, particularly in communist states. (Bureaucracy)

Oligarchs

Wealthy individuals who possess significant political influence due to their economic power. They often use their wealth to shape policies and gain control over key sectors of the economy.

Perestroika

A policy of political and economic restructuring implemented by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the late 1980s, aiming to revitalize the Soviet economy by introducing elements of a market system while still maintaining a communist framework.

Privatization

The process of transferring ownership or control of a public asset, like a company, service, or infrastructure, from a government to private entities.

Putin, Vladimir

The current president of Russia. He has been in power since 1999 (as both President and Prime Minister) and his leadership style is often characterized as authoritarian.

Russian Orthodox Church

The dominant religious institution in Russia, considered a branch of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which has historically played a significant role in shaping Russian culture and politics, often seen as closely intertwined with the state due to its influence on national identity and legitimacy, even though the government officially promotes separation of church and state.

Shock Therapy

A rapid and drastic economic reform policy.

Stalin and Stalinism

The Soviet leader who ruled with an iron fist from the 1920s until his death in 1953; describes the political system he implemented, characterized by extreme authoritarianism, centralized control of the economy, widespread state terror, and a cult of personality.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state exerts absolute control over all aspects of public and private life, attempting to completely control citizens' thoughts, behaviors, and actions through propaganda, censorship, and often violence, essentially suppressing any form of dissent and imposing a single, dominant ideology on society.

Yeltsin, Boris

Refers to the first president of the Russian Federation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, playing a key role in transitioning Russia towards a market-based democracy through radical economic reforms, often referred to as "shock therapy," during a turbulent period in Russian history; his presidency is significant for marking the beginning of a new political era in post-Soviet Russia.