Political+Culture

Political Culture (Samuel Garvin Goldberg)
​ "Even though the selective use of history to justify explanations has been discredited, there are many who still see authoritarianism as a vital element in Russian political culture. Yet there are also those who have used research to discover what the chances for democratization are. It can be argued that in 1985 Gorbachev started the process, albeit unwittingly, which we have been observing in Russia in recent years and which could be recreating its political culture. By definition, culture can evolve only slowly, and this may mean that Russian political culture as yet cannot be definitively characterized. However, this does not preclude the possibility that there are elements other than authoritarianism which could have been remolding it well before the break up of the Soviet Union. The USSR had a somewhat distorted journey towards modernization, but it has been shown that one vital element was there – high levels of education. Yet Russians’ experiences of “democracy” during the tumultuous years of transition may be another factor in the reformulation of their subjective feelings towards politics. It is still difficult to say how the events of the last twenty years have really affected Russian political culture, but in conclusion two points will be tentatively put forward. Firstly, the experiences of //perestroika// and //glasnost’// gave expression to elements which were to some extent already present in Soviet Russians. Secondly, the disillusionment and trauma of the 1990s may have enhanced the people’s need for stability as human beings, not necessarily as authority-loving Slavs." (SG)

Putin "Is Vladimir Putin a reflection of this need for a “strong hand?” Some observers have pointed to the authoritarian nature of his regime, to his background in the KGB and to his apparent authoritarian tactics in government to illustrate this element of continuity in Russian political culture. As Putin seems to make “a virtue out of rejecting ‘politics’ and ideology,”[8] in the opinions of some he is the ultimate “anti-politician,” who came to power on a virtual platform which had no substantive content. This, perhaps, shows that people are once again disinterested in politics, as compared with the 1990s when they were seemingly clamoring for real democracy. In this sense, Putin’s is not the strong hand. His very emptiness as a politician allows people to disengage from the political process."(SM)

Denton, Alexandra. "Russian Political Culture Since 1985." //The School of Russian and Asian Studies//. 2006. Web. 08 Feb. 2010. []

__The Importance of Nationality (SG)__

Long held stereotypes play a major role in government law making. Considering Russia's size, its large number of diverse ethnic groups is not surpsing. This map illustrates this:

(SG)

http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/russia’s-melting-pot-slowly-begins-to-bubble/61915.aspx

The Russian Federation continues to place strict controls over the ethnic groups in Russia, demanding that everything official be thoroughly Russian in nature. The government is very obviously playing favorites, and looks much more favorably upon its Russian people. The article also discusses the future, as many ethnic populations will soon become significant minorities and even majorities in many regions.

__Hostility towards the Government (LK)__ Depsite the Russian people's dependence on the government, there was a large amount of hostitility towards the leaders of the Soviet Union. In the 1980's Mikhail Gorbachev's initiative that emphasized freedom of the press, glasnost, was met with a large amount of hostility from the people; this aggression eventually led to the downfall of the USSR.

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This article explains how as Russian economic prosperity declines, Putin's overall popularity is on the decline as well, and that recently, Russian unrest has been growing.

__Eastern Orthodoxy__ (SG)

Tsar's ruled with legitimacy supplied by the Eastern Orthodox church, the Bolsheviks managed to maintain this power even after aboloshing the church. Eastern Orthodoxy is still the dominant religion in Russian and has created a significantly different culture from the west. With the influence of Eastern Orthodoxy the culture in Russia has evolved to value to a strong national government.


 * Statism:** Sovereignty rests in the state, not the people living within the state who exist only to enhance the power of the state

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/12/27/gps.putin.russia.cnn?iref=allsearch This video outlines the conflict developing between the new president and Putin, demonstrating the conflict between the police-state and efforts towards capitalism. Religion." //Embassy of the Russian Federation, main page//. Web. 15 Feb. 2010. []. (SG)

http://www.sras.org/russian_political_culture_since_1985

Quoted at top of this page, this article describes the current attitude of the people towards a strong national government, and Putin. The article concludes that the Russian people are still much more partial towards a strong national government, as inspired by their Eastern Orthodox tradition.

__Geographic Setting__ (SG) Russia's long borders make it almost indefensible, often forcing Russia to invade neighboring countries in order to obtain buffer zones for defense. Similiarly, Russia lacks many warm water sea ports. This need has, in the past, forced Russia to invade neighboring countries in order to acquire them.

Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, timber, furs, precious and nonferrous metals. Terrain: Broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains (Caucasus range) along southern borders. Lack of warm water ports. Climate: Northern continental.(Certain areas are extremely cold, with long winters)

This map shows the outward expansion of Russia from 1553 to 1894, and illustrates the desire for a buffer zone around Moscow and sea ports to the Northwest.

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This article, published in August of 2008, details the alleged causes for Russian aggression against neighboring Georgia. Two experts propose theories as to why Russia took such an aggressive and offensive stance against Georgia, a much weaker country. The experts suggest that Russia, under the guise of protecting the autonomous region of Abkhazia and installing peace between the South Ossetians and Georgians, invaded in order to demonstrate their control of the region and punish Georgia for attempting to integrate economically with the west. Though this is only one interpretation, the Russian invasion undoubtedly serves multiple purposes. This article demonstrates Russia's continuous goal to assert control over the region, a necessity considering their indefensible position.

__Equality of Result (SG)__

Due to ideals installed over the Communist rule, many Russians prefer equality of result, over the western equality of opportunity. This makes many Russians particularly resistant to Capitalist changes.





http://www.opendemocracy.net/article/email/russias-economic-crisis-today

This article details the current economic struggles and situation in Russia. It vividly illustrates the decline in Russian life and the struggle with converting to a capitalist system.