Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 24/25.P.1.00

Description Period: 2024./25 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Russia's Domestic Politics - Factors and Actors

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_059
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Māris Andžāns
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To provide knowledge on the main aspects of the Russia’s domestic policy; to contribute to the development of students’ analytical skills by offering tools for the analysis of Russian domestic policy.

Preliminary Knowledge

General knowledge of Russia’s history in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as basic knowledge of Russian domestic politics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Using in-depth knowledge gained in the study course on the factors of Russian domestic politics and political actors, students will characterise the influence of specific actors on the development of Russia’s domestic politics (political and economic elite, armed forces, Orthodox Church and other players). Students will analyse current domestic political events in the context of historical events of the 20th century and earlier.

Skills

1.Working in a group, students will select, read and critically evaluate scientific literature, justify their choice, interpretation and analysis of literature to group members. Through individual and group work, students will identify in oral and written form, compare and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view, formulate, explain and justify their opinion on a domestic political problem of Russia.

Competences

1.Students will write a report based on interdisciplinary scientific literature, analysing Russia’s domestic policy issues in historical and regional contexts. Students will evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of complex problems and combine research results and methods from different fields to analyse complex problems.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Within the module, students will prepare for seminars, read recommended readings and prepare a report and its presentation. The objective of the seminars is to develop students’ ability to justify their point of view; to stimulate activity; to test their knowledge of the topic and the material. The objective of the report is to develop the ability to identify the main problem of the topic; to identify and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view; to present one’s own point of view, explaining and arguing why this point of view is more acceptable and superior to any other. The report must compare all possible alternatives, considering all their weaknesses and strengths. Another objective is to develop the skills to independently research situations and problems, evaluate them and develop solutions.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
The student is required to present and submit a paper according to the topics listed below (2 to 3 presenters per topic, depending on the size of the group). Presentations of draft reports will take place in the class section of the course, drafts must be supplemented according to what was discussed during class and the revised version submitted for assessment. Technical requirements for the paper: 9 pages with line spacing 1, Times New Roman 12 or equivalent. References in footnotes, layout according to the Chicago Manual of Style.
2.
Examination
-
-
Activity and preparedness during seminars – 20% Presentation and paper – 40% Final essay – 40%

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Insight into the most important political processes in Russia and the USSR until 1991

Annotation: The lecture presents the most important political events and processes of Russia and the USSR in the 20th century. The political culture of 21st-century Russia, the ideologies of political parties and public attitudes towards democracy and authoritarianism are not comprehensible enough without knowing, at least the milestones of Russian and USSR history and the most important events in the political, military, economic, social and cultural areas. Vladimir Putin’s long rule urges to look back at cultural and public administration traditions in the 20th century that have influenced the practice of exercising power in modern Russia. February Revolution and October Coup affected the power elite’s understanding of the value of human life, the rights to private property and the boundaries of public authority. World Wars I and II, as well as the Cold War, left traces in all areas of public life in Russia and the USSR. Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika and the collapse of the USSR were perceived ambiguously in Russia, with the subsequent building of the state experiencing turbulence and a lack of the nation’s consensus on the best path to safety and prosperity. Literature: Kennan, George F., “Communism in Russian History,“ Foreign Affairs, Vol. 69, No. 5 (Winter, 1990), pp. 168-186, https://www.jstor.org/stable/20044607 Knight, Amy, “The KGB, Perestroika, and the Collapse of the Soviet Union,” Journal of Cold War Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Winter 2003), pp. 67-93, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26925261
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Development of political thought (ideas) in Russia

Annotation: Certain ideologies emerge under different specific historical circumstances to find an understanding of the ongoing changes or mobilise the public to make certain political rearrangements. The lecture presents the main strands of political thought and ideologies in Russia. If the 19th century marked the abundant competition of ideas (liberalism, social democracy, communism, anarchy), then the USSR was ideologically homogeneous, acknowledging only communism and socialism as the way to it. When the Soviet Union collapsed, discussions about ancient and less ancient constructs of ideas resumed: “Moscow, Third Rome”, “Orthodoxy, autocracy, nationalism”, “Slavophilia”, “Pan-Slavism”, “Eurasianism”. The quest for Russia’s national identity in the 1990s and purposeful construction in the 21st century appealed to the tradition of the earlier centuries and pushed back modern liberalism as useless to the ideas of the main stream of power. The lecture familiarises students with key aspects of the development of political thought in Russia, with a particular focus on the neo-Eurasianism and the manifestation of sovereign democracy ideas in modern politics. Literature: Oreshkin, Dmitry, “Putin’s Third Term Ideology,” in Andis Kudors (ed.), Fortress Russia: Political, Economic, and Security Development in Russia Following the Annexation of Crimea and its Consequences for the Baltic States, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2016, http://appc.lv/eng/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/vaks-ar-tekstu.pdf Shlapentokh, Dmitry, “Dugin Eurasianism: A Window on the Minds of the Russian Elite or an Intellectual Ploy?” Studies in East European Thought, Vol. 59, No. 3 (Sep., 2007), pp. 215-236, https://www.jstor.org/stable/40345272?seq=1
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Political culture in Russia

Annotation: The lecture aims to answer the question: can authoritarianism and democracy exist without autocrats and democrats? According to Almond and Verba’s interpretation of political culture, the passive political culture or political culture of submissiveness can be highlighted as predominant in Russia. Attempts to incorporate democracy in Russia have so far not culminated in lasting success. Is democracy guaranteed success when democratic laws are introduced and institutions are developed? Russia’s example of the 1990s shows that a free market without functioning rule of law turns into wild capitalism that creates in society longing for order “at all costs”, thus giving ground to authoritarianism. At the same time, it should be noted that civil society is developing and the pro-authoritarian party “United Russia” does not receive as much support in elections in Russia’s major cities as it does in ethnic republics and autonomous territorial units. Society of Russia, as society of any major country, is diverse and unites both civic political and passive political culture. Russian culture influences political culture, which determines how citizens see their responsibility in politics, as well as the responsibilities and limits of power of politicians. Political culture in Russia also determines the politicians’ own understanding of the powers given to them and the need to report back to or ignore society. Literature: Hahn, Jeffrey W., “Continuity and Change in Russian Political Culture,” British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, Vol. 21, No. 4 (Oct., 1991), pp. 393-421, https://www.jstor.org/stable/193769 Kumar, Vijai, “Political Culture and Democratization in Russia,” Comparative Politics Russia. 2014, 5(3(17)), pp. 60-67, https://mgimo.ru/files2/z01_2015/Kumar-Political-Culture.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Liberal reforms of the 1990s, 1994 Constitution of the Russian Federation. Main features of Boris Yeltsin’s governance

Annotation: Early 1990s are marked with economic problems in Russia stemming from the USSR’s economic downturn before 1991 and the shock therapy of liberal reforms, the products of which were expected later. The incorporation of the free market by Prime Ministers Yegor Gaidar, Anatoly Chubais and Grigory Yavlinsky resulted in rapid development of income inequality, moreover, the weakness of the rule of law worsened the internal security situation in the country. The 1994 Constitution of the Russian Federation has provided an institutional basis for democracy, yet the incorporation of the constitutional norms into practice has not resulted in the establishment of consolidated democracy. Boris Yeltsin’s second presidency marked an increase in the role of oligarchs in economics and politics. Administrative resources of power were used in the presidential elections of 1996, which adversely affected the further democratisation of Russia. The functioning of the Parliament in the 1990s showed the great division of society and viability of communist ideas in Russia. The lecture examines and analyses the impact of the reforms of 1990s on Russian domestic politics in the 21st century. Literature: Desai, Padma, “Russian Retrospectives on Reforms from Yeltsin to Putin,” The Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Winter, 2005), pp. 87-106, https://www.jstor.org/stable/4134994 Bruner, Lane M., “Taming 'wild' capitalism,” Discourse & Society, Vol. 13, No. 2, Special Issue: Language in New Capitalism (March 2002), pp. 167-184, https://www.jstor.org/stable/42888901
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The impact of the Chechen war, the demise of the Kursk submarine, the hostage crises at the musical “Nord-Ost” and the school in Beslan on domestic politics during Vladimir Putin’s first presidential term in office. Control over media.

Annotation: The lecture examines a number of events related to the country’s internal security that influenced Vladimir Putin’s ratings and domestic policy decisions. Implementing the second Chechen war and ending its active phase gave Putin high public support ratings that allowed him to consolidate power around himself. At the same time, it became clear that Putin was directing the country’s development towards authoritarianism, using the problem of terrorism to bring large media under the Kremlin control. Democracy is unthinkable without free media activity – according to assessments of Reporters Without Borders, Russia is ranked 149th in the World Press Freedom Index – worse than Cambodia, Pakistan and Venezuela. Among other things, the lecture also examines the specifics of the work of Russian security forces in cases of terrorism and hostage crises. Literature: Barany, Zoltan, “The Tragedy of the Kursk: Crisis Management in Putin's Russia,” Cambridge University Press, Government and Opposition, Vol. 39, No. 3 (Summer 2004), pp. 476-503, , https://www.jstor.org/stable/44483081 Lipman, Maria, Akhrarkhodjaeva, Nozima, “Media,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 197, 2017, https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/pdfs/RAD197.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Impact of the ‘coloured revolutions’ in the neighbouring countries on Russia’s domestic politics in Putin’s second presidential term

Annotation: The lecture addresses the consolidation of Putin’s authoritarian tendencies in domestic politics immediately after the so-called coloured revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine in 2003 and 2004. Concerns among Russia’s political elite about potential revolutionary and social turmoil in Moscow and St. Petersburg motivate the creation and development of new institutions and foundations aimed at undermining new radical changes both in former Soviet Union republics and inside Russia. Putin’s statement in 2005 about the collapse of the USSR as the biggest geopolitical disaster of the 20th century is a turning point in politicising history, which further diminishes freedom of expression in Russia. The lecture offers insight into Putin’s second presidential term in office as a principled twist in Russia’s political development, namely, 2004-2008 is the time when the foreign policy accents of the Russian Federation change and the political regime moves toward consolidated authoritarianism. Literature: Shevtsova, Lilia, “Vladimir Putin,” Foreign Policy, No. 164 (Jan. - Feb., 2008), pp. 34-40, https://www.jstor.org/stable/25462247 Norvath, Robert, “Revolution': Post-Soviet Authoritarianism and the Spectre of Velvet Revolution,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 63, No. 1 (January 2011), pp. 1-25, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27975511
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The structure of the federal state, Putin’s “vertical of power” and regions

Annotation: One of Putin’s first major reform initiatives was the abolition of direct elections of regional governors in 2006, which was renewed in 2012. Modern Russian public administration is implemented centrally, partly by ignoring the country’s federal order. The economy is also managed more sectorally than territorially, which would entail greater regional self-initiative. The sectoral administration determines the location of the leading institutions of certain economic sectors in Moscow and the location of institutional units of the sector thousands of kilometres from the centre. Consequently, regional development and meeting the needs of the population are not at the level that would be possible under a more decentralised administration. Putin’s “vertical of power” after 2012 is based on the activities of the “United Russia” party in the regions and in the loyalty of its members to Putin. The lecture examines the political and economic aspects of the centralisation of power in modern Russia. Literature: Oreshkin, Dmitry, “Putin’s Vertical and the Regions,” in Kudors, Andis, Hermanis. Jānis, (eds.), The Russian Economy: Prospects for Putin 4.0, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2020, http://appc.lv/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Research_Russian_Economy_2020.pdf De Stefano, Carolina, De Gregorio, Angela, Starodubtsev, Andrey, “Federalism,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 201, 2017, https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/pdfs/RAD201.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Parliamentarism in Russia. Ideologies of political parties and their role in public policy in the 21st

Annotation: The purpose of the lecture is to present the functions and role of the two chambers of the Parliament of the Russian Federation, the Federal Assembly and the State Duma, in the political system. Russia does not have long experience of parliamentarianism, because the early 20th century Parliament did not last long, and the monarchy did not allow it to expand fully. In 1993, Russia suffered a parliamentary crisis that led to bloodshed. The conflict of some parliamentarians with the presidential administration was resolved with the help of the army. During Putin’s times, the State Duma was turned into a Kremlin-led law writing and voting body that does not fully correspond to the constitutional tasks of the Parliament. The public space distinguishes between “systemic opposition” (opposition parties in the Parliament) and “non-systemic opposition” (political forces and streaks outside the Parliament). Although the “Communist Party of Russia” and the “Liberal Democratic Party” have different ideologies and programme settings, in practice they enable the Kremlin to lead the legislative process through the “United Russia” party. Literature: Akela, Jay Chandra, “The Party System In Post-Soviet Russia: A Case Study of the Party United Russia,” World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Summer (April-June) 2017), pp. 34-49, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48531461 Reuter, Ora John, Shenin, Andrey, “State Duma Elections,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 189, 2016, https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/pdfs/RAD189.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The role of the administration of the President of Russia in the domestic policy of the country. Putin’s “circle of trust” – oligarchs and representatives of power structures

Annotation: The Russian Federation is a presidential state, so the Presidential Administration, or the Kremlin, has the largest power in the country. The President appoints the Prime Minister and ministers, so the government acts according to the political will of the President. The work of the departments and departments of the presidential administration is publicised, so the Kremlin’s activities are not transparent to the public. Moreover, during Putin’s governance, the Kremlin continues in its decision-making the tradition of secrecy of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the USSR, which does not promote democratic accountability to society. In addition to the official system of power, there is a “Shadow State” – the practice of interaction between individuals and institutions that takes key decisions in the country in a hidden way, especially those related to the economy, large infrastructure facilities and procurement. Although Putin spoke about the need to distance oligarchs from political decision-making in the country during his first term as President, in practice a new circle of businessmen, billionaires, who are one of the pillars of Putin’s personalized pillars of power has emerged. Such a system contributes to the stratification of society and to a distinctly unequal distribution of income in society. Literature: Rochlitz, Michael, Nomokonov, V.A. , Filippov, V.V., “Russian Siloviki,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 223, 2018, https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/pdfs/RAD223.pdf Pleines, Heiko, Schimpfössl, Elisabeth, “Russia’s Oligarchs,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 233, 2019, https://css.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/gess/cis/center-for-securities-studies/pdfs/RAD233.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Culture, history and religion in Russia of the 21st century. The relationship of the Russian Orthodox Church with the state power.

Annotation: The 1997 Law of the Russian Federation on Religious Organisations states that there are four so-called traditional religions in the country: Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. However, in practice it can be seen that the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) receives more obliging attitude from state and local government institutions than other denominations. Freedom of religion, which is an integral part of democracy, is not fully operational in Russia. Orthodoxy is securitised and politicised, criticism of ROC is seen as a threat to national security and an implicit attack on existing state power. The connection to the department of defence and upholding of the historical myths for mobilising society manifested particularly vividly in the Orthodox Cathedral of Arms Forces of the Russian Federation, which opened in 2020 and is located at the site of military achievement exhibitions – “Patriots Park”. That church building is maintained using resources of the army. Politicisation of ROC runs counter to freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. Russian historical policy is focused on constructing national identity using not academic historical insights but mythologising Russian history. It envisages a selective approach to portraying and teaching the history of the Russian Empire, the USSR and the Russian Federation in schools. In Russia, power shows a particularly obliging attitude to those in popular culture who express public loyalty to Russian power and Putin personally. The lecture analyses the influence of modern Russian power on freedom of religion, the interpretation of history and cultural development. Literature: Lerhis, Ainārs, “Back to the USSR: A Selective Approach to Russian History,” in Andis Kudors (ed.), Fortress Russia: Political, Economic, and Security Development in Russia Following the Annexation of Crimea and its Consequences for the Baltic States, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2016, http://appc.lv/eng/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/vaks-ar-tekstu.pdf Chawryło, Katarzyna, “The altar and throne alliance the Russian Orthodox Church vs. the government in Russia,” OSW, No 54, 2015, https://www.osw.waw.pl/sites/default/files/prace_54_ang_alliance_net.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modernization initiatives in the Russian Federation during the rule of President Dmitry Medvedev. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports.

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Authoritarianism and propaganda in Putin’s system of power. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports.

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Security services and power in Russia. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. "Shadow State” – informal power formations in Russia. Organized crime and politics. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Role of energy extraction and sales in domestic policy. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Russia’s economic policy. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Social issues on Russia’s internal policy agenda. Pension system reform in 2018. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Human rights, civil society and "non-systemic” opposition in Russia. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Impact of Russia’s domestic policies on regional foreign policy. Russia in global politics. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Current issues in Russia’s domestic policies. Presentations of Reports. Conclusion of the Course

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Insight into the most important political processes in Russia and the USSR until 1991

Annotation: The lecture presents the most important political events and processes of Russia and the USSR in the 20th century. The political culture of 21st-century Russia, the ideologies of political parties and public attitudes towards democracy and authoritarianism are not comprehensible enough without knowing, at least the milestones of Russian and USSR history and the most important events in the political, military, economic, social and cultural areas. Vladimir Putin’s long rule urges to look back at cultural and public administration traditions in the 20th century that have influenced the practice of exercising power in modern Russia. February Revolution and October Coup affected the power elite’s understanding of the value of human life, the rights to private property and the boundaries of public authority. World Wars I and II, as well as the Cold War, left traces in all areas of public life in Russia and the USSR. Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika and the collapse of the USSR were perceived ambiguously in Russia, with the subsequent building of the state experiencing turbulence and a lack of the nation’s consensus on the best path to safety and prosperity. Literature: Kennan, George F., “Communism in Russian History,“ Foreign Affairs, Vol. 69, No. 5 (Winter, 1990), pp. 168-186, https://www.jstor.org/stable/20044607 Knight, Amy, “The KGB, Perestroika, and the Collapse of the Soviet Union,” Journal of Cold War Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Winter 2003), pp. 67-93, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26925261
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Development of political thought (ideas) in Russia

Annotation: Certain ideologies emerge under different specific historical circumstances to find an understanding of the ongoing changes or mobilise the public to make certain political rearrangements. The lecture presents the main strands of political thought and ideologies in Russia. If the 19th century marked the abundant competition of ideas (liberalism, social democracy, communism, anarchy), then the USSR was ideologically homogeneous, acknowledging only communism and socialism as the way to it. When the Soviet Union collapsed, discussions about ancient and less ancient constructs of ideas resumed: “Moscow, Third Rome”, “Orthodoxy, autocracy, nationalism”, “Slavophilia”, “Pan-Slavism”, “Eurasianism”. The quest for Russia’s national identity in the 1990s and purposeful construction in the 21st century appealed to the tradition of the earlier centuries and pushed back modern liberalism as useless to the ideas of the main stream of power. The lecture familiarises students with key aspects of the development of political thought in Russia, with a particular focus on the neo-Eurasianism and the manifestation of sovereign democracy ideas in modern politics. Literature: Oreshkin, Dmitry, “Putin’s Third Term Ideology,” in Andis Kudors (ed.), Fortress Russia: Political, Economic, and Security Development in Russia Following the Annexation of Crimea and its Consequences for the Baltic States, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2016, http://appc.lv/eng/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/02/vaks-ar-tekstu.pdf Shlapentokh, Dmitry, “Dugin Eurasianism: A Window on the Minds of the Russian Elite or an Intellectual Ploy?” Studies in East European Thought, Vol. 59, No. 3 (Sep., 2007), pp. 215-236, https://www.jstor.org/stable/40345272?seq=1
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Political culture in Russia

Annotation: The lecture aims to answer the question: can authoritarianism and democracy exist without autocrats and democrats? According to Almond and Verba’s interpretation of political culture, the passive political culture or political culture of submissiveness can be highlighted as predominant in Russia. Attempts to incorporate democracy in Russia have so far not culminated in lasting success. Is democracy guaranteed success when democratic laws are introduced and institutions are developed? Russia’s example of the 1990s shows that a free market without functioning rule of law turns into wild capitalism that creates in society longing for order “at all costs”, thus giving ground to authoritarianism. At the same time, it should be noted that civil society is developing and the pro-authoritarian party “United Russia” does not receive as much support in elections in Russia’s major cities as it does in ethnic republics and autonomous territorial units. Society of Russia, as society of any major country, is diverse and unites both civic political and passive political culture. Russian culture influences political culture, which determines how citizens see their responsibility in politics, as well as the responsibilities and limits of power of politicians. Political culture in Russia also determines the politicians’ own understanding of the powers given to them and the need to report back to or ignore society. Literature: Hahn, Jeffrey W., “Continuity and Change in Russian Political Culture,” British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, Vol. 21, No. 4 (Oct., 1991), pp. 393-421, https://www.jstor.org/stable/193769 Kumar, Vijai, “Political Culture and Democratization in Russia,” Comparative Politics Russia. 2014, 5(3(17)), pp. 60-67, https://mgimo.ru/files2/z01_2015/Kumar-Political-Culture.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Liberal reforms of the 1990s, 1994 Constitution of the Russian Federation. Main features of Boris Yeltsin’s governance

Annotation: Early 1990s are marked with economic problems in Russia stemming from the USSR’s economic downturn before 1991 and the shock therapy of liberal reforms, the products of which were expected later. The incorporation of the free market by Prime Ministers Yegor Gaidar, Anatoly Chubais and Grigory Yavlinsky resulted in rapid development of income inequality, moreover, the weakness of the rule of law worsened the internal security situation in the country. The 1994 Constitution of the Russian Federation has provided an institutional basis for democracy, yet the incorporation of the constitutional norms into practice has not resulted in the establishment of consolidated democracy. Boris Yeltsin’s second presidency marked an increase in the role of oligarchs in economics and politics. Administrative resources of power were used in the presidential elections of 1996, which adversely affected the further democratisation of Russia. The functioning of the Parliament in the 1990s showed the great division of society and viability of communist ideas in Russia. The lecture examines and analyses the impact of the reforms of 1990s on Russian domestic politics in the 21st century. Literature: Desai, Padma, “Russian Retrospectives on Reforms from Yeltsin to Putin,” The Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Winter, 2005), pp. 87-106, https://www.jstor.org/stable/4134994 Bruner, Lane M., “Taming 'wild' capitalism,” Discourse & Society, Vol. 13, No. 2, Special Issue: Language in New Capitalism (March 2002), pp. 167-184, https://www.jstor.org/stable/42888901
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modernization initiatives in the Russian Federation during the rule of President Dmitry Medvedev. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports.

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Authoritarianism and propaganda in Putin’s system of power. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports.

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Security services and power in Russia. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. "Shadow State” – informal power formations in Russia. Organized crime and politics. Literature Discussion. Presentations of Reports

Annotation: Students and the lecturer will discuss the required readings, followed by the presentation of student reports (see the list of topics below, under “Examinations” – Report Topics).
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
28 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Akela, Jay Chandra. “The Party System In Post-Soviet Russia: A Case Study of the Party United Russia,” World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Summer (April-June) 2017), pp. 34-49

3.

Åslund, Anders. “Political Economy,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 220, 2018.

4.

Barany, Zoltan. “The Tragedy of the Kursk: Crisis Management in Putin's Russia,” Cambridge University Press, Government and Opposition, Vol. 39, No. 3 (Summer 2004), pp. 476-503.

5.

Chawryło, Katarzyna, “The altar and throne alliance the Russian Orthodox Church vs. the government in Russia”, OSW, 2016.

6.

De Stefano, Carolina, De Gregorio, Angela, Starodubtsev, Andrey. “Federalism,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 201, 2017.

7.

Desai, Padma, “Russian Retrospectives on Reforms from Yeltsin to Putin,” The Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Winter, 2005), pp. 87-106.

8.

Kennan, George F., “Communism in Russian History,“ Foreign Affairs, Vol. 69, No. 5 (Winter, 1990), pp. 168-186.

9.

Knight, Amy, “The KGB, Perestroika, and the Collapse of the Soviet Union,” Journal of Cold War Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Winter 2003), pp. 67-93.

10.

Lipman, Maria, Akhrarkhodjaeva, Nozima, “Media,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 197, 2017.

11.

Horvath, Robert, “Putin's 'Preventive Counter- Revolution': Post-Soviet Authoritarianism and the Spectre of Velvet Revolution,” Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 63, No. 1 (January 2011), pp. 1-25

12.

Oreshkin, Dmitry, “Putin’s Vertical and the Regions,” in Kudors, Andis, Hermanis. Jānis, (eds.), The Russian Economy: Prospects for Putin 4.0, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2020.

13.

Oreshkin, Dmitry, “Putin’s Third Term Ideology,” in Andis Kudors (ed.), Fortress Russia: Political, Economic, and Security Development in Russia Following the Annexation of Crimea and its Consequences for the Baltic States, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2016.

14.

Pleines, Heiko, Schimpfössl, Elisabeth, “Russia’s Oligarchs,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 233, 2019.

15.

Reuter, Ora John, Shenin, Andrey, “State Duma Elections,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 189, 2016.

16.

Rochlitz, Michael, Nomokonov, V.A. , Filippov, V.V., “Russian Siloviki,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 223, 2018.

17.

Schmid, Ulrich, Rollberg, Peter, Makarychev, Andrey, “Cultural Politics,” Russian Analytical Digest, 2018.

Additional Reading

1.

Brand, Martin, Hornke, Theresa, “Need-​based Social Policies,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 249, 2020.

2.

Cohen, Stephen F., “Was the Soviet System Reformable?” Slavic Review, Cambridge University Press, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Autumn, 2004), pp. 459-488.

3.

Dollbaum, Matti, Domanska, Maria, “Putin's Power Games,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 246, 2020.

4.

Gorokhovskaia, Yana, Dollbaum, Jan Matti, “Russian Regional Elections,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 239, 2020.

5.

Khmelnitskaya, Marina, Klimovich, Stanislav, Pape, Ulla, “Social Issues”, Russian Analytical Digest, No. 254, 2020.

6.

Lerhis, Ainārs, “Back to the USSR: A Selective Approach to Russian History,” in Andis Kudors (ed.), Fortress Russia: Political, Economic, and Security Development in Russia Following the Annexation of Crimea and its Consequences for the Baltic States, Riga: University of Latvia Press, CEEPS, 2016.

7.

Marples, David R., “Revisiting the Collapse of the USSR, Canadian Slavonic Papers / Revue Canadienne des Slavistes, Vol. 53, No. 2/4 (June-Sept.-Dec. 2011), pp. 461-473.

8.

Rutland, Peter, Wegren, Stephen K., “Russia's Economy,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 241, 2020.

9.

Von Gall, Caroline, Jäckel, Laura, Burkhardt, Fabian, “Putin,” Russian Analytical Digest, No. 250, 2020.

Other Information Sources

1.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

2.

Carnegie Moscow Center.

3.

The Jamestown Foundation.

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