Russia's Ersatz Democracy

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In The Media

Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Russia's Ersatz Democracy

By Lilia Shevtsova

Published on Oct 1, 2006

Source: Current History

Russia's ruling elite is trying to use elections to legitimize a semi-authoritarian regime and experimenting with a formula for national transformation that relies on conflicting elements. The contradictions will eventually lead to the collapse of the current system, and Russia will have to pass through a period of disappointment before it can begin the search for a more effective political structure.

Reprinted with permission from Current History (October 2006) c 2006, Current History, Inc.

Click on the link above for the full text.

About the Author

Lilia Shevtsova

Former Senior Associate, Russian Domestic Politics and Political Institutions Program, Moscow Center

Shevtsova chaired the Russian Domestic Politics and Political Institutions Program at the Carnegie Moscow Center, dividing her time between Carnegie’s offices in Washington, DC, and Moscow. She had been with Carnegie since 1995.

Recent Work

In The Media
Putin Has Fought His Way Into a Corner
- Lilia Shevtsova
Commentary
How Long Russians Will Believe in Fairy Tale?
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Political Reform Economy Caucasus Russia

Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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