Response #2

My belief is that when it comes to discussing the new Russia, we are once again faced by the challenge of what to do if “free and fair” elections are held, and the people elect, in this instance, an undemocratic ruler. Based on the reading by Pierre Hasner, as well as the view of the international community in general, there is simply no doubting that Vladimir Putin is an autocratic ruler. Today’s Russia lacks the institutions, civil society, and rule of law that characterize a liberal democracy as defined earlier in the semester by Fareed Zakaria. Yet, at the same time, it is believed that the majority of Russians still support Putin, even when considering the dubiousness of public opinion polls. The explanation of this dilemma is rather simple, for as Hasner points out, “[Putin’s] rule is full of contradictions”. Indeed, this is not surprising, as a democracy in line with Russian traditions may well be expected to be full of contradictions, especially since Russia has been historically-conditioned to a single, dominant head of state. While Putin has not hesitated to curtail freedom of expression and has effectively destroyed any notion of a free press, he has succeeded in improving Russia’s economic well-being and, at times, specifically early in his career, has assisted the U.S. and Europe in addressing key international issues. However, there remains serious cause for concern according to Hasner, due to the fact that the trajectory of Putin’s policies is headed in the wrong direction. Not only is there a definitive trend towards increased authoritarianism in Russia’s domestic policies, but also growing hostility towards its neighbors and the West, as well as socio-political trends “reminiscent of fascism”. To justify this last statement, Hasner points to both the elimination of rival power centers and the growing “personality cult” of Putin that evokes memories of the late Turkmenbashi. Furthermore, Russia has gained greater political clout since the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the recent rise in commodities prices. Indeed, this may be one of Putin’s pillars of popular support, because, as Hasner points out, many Russians are “grateful to Putin for restoring Russia’s international power and authority”. But as for the implications of these trends, we must consider the new dynamic of international politics. As Russia struggles through its post-communist transition, the U.S. remains strong, Europe continues to become more united, and China has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Thus, the whole dynamic of Russian foreign relations may soon be forced to change. However, in the near future, the world must be weary of the possible impacts of an illiberal democracy in a country as important to global politics as Russia.