Russia Clean Notes

Russia

A country with a rich history of conquest by various groups like the Huns, Mongols, and Vikings, characterized by strong Eastern influence and culturally heterogeneous due to its vast size and diverse ethnic groups.

Tsars

Rulers of Imperial Russia, known for enforcing laws through secret police, maintaining serfdom until 1861, and facing economic, social, and political challenges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Communism

The ideology established in the USSR after the Russian Revolution in 1917, marked by state control, totalitarianism under leaders like Stalin, and a focus on the strength of the Russian state over individual rights.

Glasnost

Meaning "Openness," a reform effort under Gorbachev allowing more open discussions of political, social, and economic issues, including criticism of the government in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

Meaning "Restructuring," an economic reform initiative under Gorbachev aimed at maintaining the Soviet government structure while permitting private businesses and market-driven mechanisms.

Shock Therapy

Economic reform strategy under Yeltsin involving rapid transition to a capitalist system, privatization of companies, and the issuance of vouchers for investment in large businesses in Russia.

Oligarchs

Individuals who gained control of major industries in Russia post-privatization, often former Communist elites, leading to significant corruption, capital flight, and discontent among the population.

Insider Privatization

A practice where friends of influential figures like Putin acquire privately held companies, consolidating economic power and influence within the government in Russia.

Sanctions

Measures imposed on Russia by the West, particularly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, impacting the economy but countered through protectionist policies and finding new markets for Russian products.

Near Abroad

Former Soviet Republics and satellite countries considered by Putin as areas of influence, leading to interference in elections, military interventions, and strategic alliances in regions like Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and Syria.

Constitutional Court

Comprises 19 judges appointed by the President and confirmed by the Federation Council, with the power of judicial review to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Asymmetrical Federalism

In the Russian Federation, certain regions hold more power than others, leading to a division between Moscow and non-Moscow regions.

Federal Districts

There are 8 (or 9 including Crimea) Federal Districts in Russia, created by Putin to streamline the government, each headed by a presidential appointee.

Centralization of Power

Putin's changes since becoming President include creating Federal Districts, amending the Constitution to appoint Governors, and controlling the media and elections.

Political Culture

Russia exhibits a tradition of statism, weak civil society, and suspicion of authority, with strong support for Putin and limited trust in the government.

Political Parties

Russia has seen a shift from a Floating Party System to a more centralized power structure under Putin, with notable parties like the Communist Party, Liberal Democrats, and United Russia.

Election Fraud

Russia faces allegations of election rigging, with watchdog groups questioning the high vote percentages for Putin and his party, though systemic fraud remains unproven.

Issues Facing Russia

Russia struggles with illiberal democracy, limited civil rights, competitive elections, rule by law, restricted civil society, economic disparities, and controversial laws like the "Gay propaganda" law.

International Relations

Russia's actions in Ukraine, Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and involvement in conflicts in the Middle East, as well as the Edward Snowden asylum case and election meddling allegations, have drawn international scrutiny.