Democratization in Russia and the Global Financial Crisis

Abstract

In principle, new democracies should be at greater risk from economic crisis than established ones. And without a popular reservoir of good will for democracy, and in the absence of an electorate that has had extended experience of distinguishing between the government and the political system as a whole, they are at particular risk. The impact of the 2008–9 global financial crisis in post-communist Russia suggests that this may not apply universally. In fact, public support for democratic values has been relatively unaffected by the crisis, in spite of its direct effects on the lives of many ordinary Russians. This may be explained by a history of economic crises and a tradition of ‘getting by’ when such crises erupt; a greater popular preoccupation with who holds public office than with how effectively they govern; and the lack of a competitive party system, including an effective opposition.