Russia: citizens, society, and the state

Cleavages

Nationality

Most significant nationality = Russian

Country divided as a 'federation' w/ autonomous regions

Chechnya - Muslim region that has fought for freedom for years.

Religion

Russian Orthodox has dominated its history.

Tsar served as the head of the church

Soviets banned religion

Today: relatively nonreligious, with low attendance in churches

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

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

Concentrated in 3 areas

Moscow

The Caucasus

Includes Chechnya

Bashkortostan and Tatarstan

Social class

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

Nomenklatura defined the way to move up the ladder

Rural/urban

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.

Wide economic divide between rural/urban populations

Beliefs and attitudes

Mistrust in the government

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

Low level of participation in interest groups

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

Statism

Russians expect the state to take care of them.

Historically subjects as opposed to participants.

Westernization vs. Slavophile

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

Economic beliefs

Market reforms created divisions in public opinion.

Communists are less than enthusiastic.

Political Participation

Protests

1,000 marched in Vladivostok because of
2008 financial crisis

Communist party held a rally in Mosocow.

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

Voter Turnout

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

2007 Duma = 64%

2004 Presidential = 65%

Civil Society

Civil Society = private organizations and associations outside of politics.

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

Only 1% belong to a political party.

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

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.

Russian Youth Groups

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

Largest is the "Nashi"

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

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