Description
Book SynopsisStoliarov presents an analysis of the historical traditions and distinctive features of modern Russian federalism. He reviews the state of affairs in today's Russia as it strives to become a federal democracy securing the rights and liberties of its citizens. By tracing two contrasting ideas - federalism and derzhavnost (dictatorship of power) - in the legacy of the Russian state, and in relations between the modern federal government and the regions, he demonstrates the need for balance in the delimitation of power. The election in 2000 if Vladimir Putin as President raised doubts about the future of federalism among politicians and citizens, but Stoliarov believes that the development of federalism is the only way forward for this multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. He shows that the strengthening of 'vertical power' and 'dictatorship of the law', despite their patriotic appeal, are likely to have a negative effect on the building of democracy and federalism in Russia.
Table of ContentsRussian on the Way to the New MillenniumChapter I: Statehood Legacy1. Sovereign Russia: Traditions of Power2. Russian Administrative Reforms: The Wheel of History3. Dictatorship of Law or Law of Dictatorship: The New Russian Dilemma4. Russia and Self-Determination According to Lenin5. Stalin's Ethnic PolicyChapter II: The Rollercoaster of Russian Federalism1. 'We, the Multinational People of the Russian Federation...'2. State Making in Russian: The Modern History3. Tatarstan: A Case in Point4. Russia in August 1998 and Afterwards: 'The Patient is More Alive Than Dead'5. Federalist Hopes that Did Not Come TrueChapter III: Quo Vadis, Russia?1. From Yeltsin to Putin: Transit into a New Millennium2. Elite and Power: Heroes or Hostages?3. The Principles of Federalism in Russian Style4. Federal Minister German Gref and Others...5. Federation and State Development: Political Parties' ApproachChapter IV: 'Union Lasts Forever'1. Tatars Versus Russians: A Glimpse into History2. Elections 2000: Governors Wanted!3. Sovereignty or the Ghost of Separatism4. Lament for the Russian Republic5. Federalism, Great Power Centrism, Ethnicity: Pro et ContraPostface
