citizens, society, and the state

Corruption

por Akshay Gupta

History

por Sreelal Bhavishya

Historians have traditionally labeled the" period after the war of 1812 the Era of Good feelings."Evaluate the accuracy of this label,considering the emergence of nationalism and sectionalism.

por Sindy Moncada

Cultural barriers to communication

por Elisvan Ruidiaz Marino

Russia: citizens, society, and the state

Russian Youth Groups

Goal is to create a generation of loyal and patriotic youth that won't interfere in an election by protesting.

Largest is the "Nashi"

In May of 2011, 50,000 of them protested 'corruption' in downtown Moscow... they only focused on Putin opponents though.

Putin created a handful of youth movements to support the government.

Civil Society

Civil society does appear to be growing however.

The 'state corporatist' arrangement between the government and companies still exists, and Putin will crack down on anti- Putin groups by investigating them or harassing them with the police.

They predominantly don't belong to unions, or attend church.

Only 1% belong to a political party.

The vast majority of Russians do NOT participate in civil society.

Civil Society = private organizations and associations outside of politics.

Political Participation

Voter Turnout

Turnout is higher than the U.S., but lower than France and the U.K.

2004 Presidential = 65%

2007 Duma = 64%

Protests

*Few mass demonstrations have been held, but those that have, have been relatively nonviolent.

Communist party held a rally in Mosocow.

1,000 marched in Vladivostok because of 2008 financial crisis

Beliefs and attitudes

Economic beliefs

Communists are less than enthusiastic.

Market reforms created divisions in public opinion.

Westernization vs. Slavophile

Some political parties emphasize nationalism and a defense of Slavic culture.

Statism

Historically subjects as opposed to participants.

Russians expect the state to take care of them.

Mistrust in the government

Notable exception has been the high level ofapproval for Putin, although this is fading in recenttimes.

Low level of participation in interest groups

Most polls show support for democratic ideals, buta distrust in government officials and institutions

Cleavages

Rural/urban

Wide economic divide between rural/urban populations

73% of Russians live in cities, primarilyin the western portion of the country

Moscow has repeatedly been labeledthe most expensive city in the world to live.

Social class

Nomenklatura defined the way to move up the ladder

Noble/peasant distinction replacedby Communist Party Member/non-member

Religion

One pattern worth noting = rise in Muslim share of population.

Concentrated in 3 areas

Bashkortostan and Tatarstan

The Caucasus

Includes Chechnya

Moscow

Russia has more Muslims than any other European state except for Turkey (est. 20 million)

In contemporary Russia, efforts to mold a generation of loyal and patriotic youth are evident through state-sponsored groups like 'Nashi,' which have been instrumental in pro-government rallies.