Russian Politics and Response to Globalization by Lada V. Kochtcheeva

Author:Lada V. Kochtcheeva
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030391454
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Conclusions

The above discussion provides an insight into the exceptionally intricate interaction between the forces of globalization and Russia’s political response to them. The incredible transformation of the political system after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which coincided with the advent of globalization, the emergence of new political institutions, the unfolding regional and global crises, the changing public opinion produce a significant impact on the Russian polity. The trajectory of political development, the quality of democratization, and state responses in Russia and its inclusion in the globalization are closely interconnected.

Several conclusions emerge from the analysis of globalization in Russia. First, Russia’s strong state of a traditional type has persevered for centuries, which suggests its historical ability to survive and a tendency for revival. Diverse intellectual currents in the country have been debating the reforms for the state, yet all of them considered one or another version of a strong state to cope with domestic and international problems. As such, the issue is not whether Russia will continue as a strong state, but what type of strong state it will be during the age of globalization, and whether it will be able to adapt to rapidly changing external conditions and respond successfully to domestic challenges. In the words of Andrei Tsygankov (2014, p. 6), “Russia’s historical institutions will define its developmental trajectory. Within this trajectory, Russia will continue to borrow from other nations what its political system is able to borrow.” The strength of the state and its reforms will continue to be a reflection of domestic demands and international pressures.

Second, many Russians believe that democracy means not only adopting a political system that allows fair elections, greater individual freedoms, and increased government accountability, but it also includes better life-chances, including economic well-being of the citizens and opening up their culture to different ideas. Individual citizens, not all well-educated politically, welcome greater freedoms and opportunities presented by globalization, liberalization, and democratization. However, the public at large and many governmental elites alike seem to be suspicious about the outcomes of globalization, of which democracy is part. The anxiety about globalization is boosted by the view that the global processes are not a result of impersonal forces of internationalization and integration, but controlled by the outside hegemonic project of the West. Additionally, Russians on the whole perceive the concepts of freedom, justice, and order, not as conflicting binary rivals, but as values, which are equally necessary for the normal life of the country and every individual. Finally, there is an issue of development of interactive technologies, new forms of civic engagement, and self-organization that points to the prospects of democracy in Russia. A key aspect of that is a gradual switch to becoming a “participatory democracy,” which may imply a reset not only in the institutions of power, but also in civil society, charged with working as a transmission belt of often contentious individual and group demands and interests to the political circles and back.

Third, Russia’s responses to global challenges indicate the country’s pursuit of its interests, challenging the position of the West, and advocating a polycentric world.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.