In this post, notes of “Unit 4: Introduction to Political System of Russia” from “DSC 17: Comparative Political Systems” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

1. Introduction to Russia’s Political System

History of Russia’s Political System

Russia’s political system has changed a lot over time due to its history of strong rulers, revolutions, and reforms. Important events in this history include:

• Tsarist Rule (Before 1917): For a long time, Russia was ruled by a king, called the Tsar, who had total control. The Russian Empire had a strong government, a system of serfdom, and a powerful military. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Tsar faced problems like economic struggles, social issues, and little political freedom.
• The 1917 Revolution: Many people were unhappy, and in 1917, the Tsar was removed from power, leading to a communist government. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, took control and started the Soviet Union, ending the Tsar’s rule.
• Soviet Union (1922-1991): The Soviet Union was run by the Communist Party and was a one-party state. Power was held by the General Secretary of the Communist Party (like Joseph Stalin and Mikhail Gorbachev). The system was based on communist ideas, with the government controlling most parts of life and a strong secret police.
• Fall of the Soviet Union (1991): The Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 due to economic issues, political changes, and movements for independence. This led to the creation of the Russian Federation, which became an independent country, facing challenges in changing from communism to a market economy and democracy.

Change from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation

The change from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation was complicated. Key points include:

• Collapse of the USSR: In the late 1980s, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, started reforms for more openness and restructuring. These reforms allowed more political expression and economic change but also showed the Soviet system’s weaknesses. As different parts of the Soviet Union wanted more independence, it broke apart by December 1991.
• Creation of the Russian Federation: After the USSR ended, Russia became independent under Boris Yeltsin. In 1993, a new constitution was adopted, making Russia a presidential republic. Yeltsin led Russia’s move to a market economy, but this time was also marked by political instability and economic problems.
• Economic and Political Problems: The 1990s were a chaotic time for Russia. Changes included privatizing state assets and a rise in powerful business people, leading to high inflation and poverty. Political instability peaked with a crisis in 1993 when Yeltsin’s government clashed with the parliament.

Main Features of Russia’s Semi-Presidential System

Since the 1993 constitution, Russia is considered a semi-presidential republic, meaning it has both a president and a prime minister.

However, the balance of power has changed, especially under Vladimir Putin.

Key features include:

• The President: The president is the head of state and has many powers, including appointing the prime minister, setting foreign policy, and leading the military. The president’s role is very important in the government.
• The Prime Minister: The prime minister is the head of government and manages the country daily. While important, this role often has less power than the president.
• The Federal Assembly (Legislature): This consists of two parts:
  • The State Duma (lower house) has deputies elected by the people and can approve the prime minister, make laws, and manage the budget.
  • The Federation Council (upper house) represents Russia’s regions and mainly reviews laws from the State Duma.
• Political Parties: Russia’s system is mostly dominated by one party, the United Russia party, led by Vladimir Putin. Other parties exist but often face restrictions.
• Centralized Power: Over time, especially under Putin since 2000, power has become more centralized, with the president controlling much of the government.
• Constitutional Changes: In 2020, changes were made to the constitution allowing Putin to possibly stay in power until 2036. This raised concerns about democracy and authoritarian rule.

Conclusion

Russia’s political system has changed from a powerful monarchy to a communist state and then to a semi-presidential republic after the USSR’s fall.

The shift to a market economy and political freedom has had both successes and difficulties. Today, Russia is characterized by a strong presidency that plays a key role in shaping the country’s policies, raising questions about the future of democracy in Russia.

2. The Constitution of the Russian Federation

Features of the 1993 Constitution

The 1993 Constitution of Russia was created after a time of political conflict, particularly during the 1993 constitutional crisis, when the parliament and President Boris Yeltsin fought for power.

This new Constitution aimed to build a stable government and clarify the roles of the president, parliament, and courts. Here are some important features:

• Presidential Republic: The Constitution set up a presidential republic, where the president is the main leader of the government and makes important decisions. The president has many powers, but the Constitution also defines the roles of other government branches.
• Separation of Powers: The Constitution describes how the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are separate. However, in reality, the president holds most of the power.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the highest law, and all other laws must follow it. Any laws that go against the Constitution can be challenged in the Constitutional Court of Russia.
• Human Rights and Freedoms: The Constitution guarantees various human rights and freedoms, like free speech, assembly, and religion, although these rights can be limited in real life.
• Democratic Governance: The Constitution describes a democratic government, but over time, especially under Vladimir Putin, many democratic elements have weakened, including the independence of the media, courts, and political opposition.

Federalism and Centralization

Russia is a federation, meaning it is made up of different regions under a central government. The Constitution mentions federalism, but in reality, power is often centralized. Here’s how this works:

• Federal Structure: Russia has 85 regions, including provinces, republics, and major cities like Moscow. These regions have different levels of independence, especially republics, which should have more control over cultural issues.
• Centralization of Power: Although Russia is a federation on paper, the central government, especially the president, exerts a lot of control over the regions. Over time, particularly under Putin, the federal government has gained more power. The president can appoint regional leaders, and the federal government heavily influences local policies, limiting regional independence.
• Federal Council: The Federation Council represents the regions but mainly supports the central government and does not often challenge the president’s decisions. This concentration of power weakens the federal character of the Russian system.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The 1993 Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to create a system of checks and balances. However, this separation is often weak, with much power held by the president. Key points include:

• Executive Branch (The Presidency): The president has great powers, such as appointing top officials, issuing orders, and managing foreign relations. The president also influences the military and security agencies.
• Legislative Branch: The Federal Assembly has two parts:
  • State Duma: The lower house has 450 members elected for five years. The Duma can approve or reject laws, control the budget, and confirm the president’s choice for prime minister. However, it is often seen as under the president’s influence due to the dominance of United Russia (the president’s party).
  • Federation Council: The upper house represents the regions but rarely blocks the president’s initiatives.
• Judiciary: The courts are supposed to be independent, but they often face political pressure. The Constitutional Court checks if laws follow the Constitution, but its decisions can be ignored by the president. The Supreme Court oversees lower courts but also struggles with independence. Judges are appointed by the president and are often loyal to the government.
• Weak Checks: In practice, the separation of powers is often weakened by the president’s strong influence. The executive branch controls much of the legislative process, and the judiciary tends to favor the government, especially in sensitive cases.

Constitutional Amendments and Governance

Constitutional amendments are important in shaping Russia’s political system, as the government often uses them to strengthen presidential power. Key points about amendments include:

• The 2020 Amendments: In July 2020, a major set of amendments was approved in a national vote. The changes included:
  • Extension of Presidential Terms: A controversial change reset term limits, allowing President Vladimir Putin to possibly stay in power until 2036, removing the previous two-term limit.
  • Strengthening Traditional Values: Some amendments promoted traditional family values and the importance of the Russian language.
  • Federalism and Local Governance: Some adjustments aimed to enhance local governments, but these did not significantly change the centralized nature of governance.
  • Social Rights: Amendments included promises for better social welfare, like pensions and healthcare, but these often remain more symbolic than practical.
• Constitutional Flexibility: Using amendments to consolidate power is common in Russia. Changes are often made to reinforce the presidency or respond to political issues. While the Constitution provides a governance framework, frequent amendments show that the political system can change, usually in ways that benefit those in power.
• Public Referenda and Legitimacy: Amendments like those in 2020 are often approved through referenda, but the fairness of these votes is questioned. Critics say they are used to legitimize political choices and control public opinion.

Conclusion

The 1993 Constitution of Russia set up a framework for a semi-presidential republic with elements of federalism, but over time, power has become more centralized, especially in the presidency.

While it includes principles like separation of powers, human rights, and federalism, these are often weakened in practice.

The judiciary and legislature have limited power, and amendments to the Constitution are frequently used to strengthen presidential authority, ensuring continued control of the political system.

3. The Executive Branch of Russia

The President: Powers, Functions, and Limitations

The President of Russia is a key figure in the country’s politics, with a lot of power as outlined in the 1993 Constitution. The president is the head of state and is the most powerful political leader in Russia.

Powers and Functions:

• Chief Executive: The president leads the executive branch and manages all government agencies.
• Foreign Policy Control: The president decides on Russia’s foreign relations, signs treaties, appoints ambassadors, and meets with other leaders.
• Military Leader: The president is in charge of the armed forces and can declare martial law if needed.
• Appointments: The president chooses important government officials like the Prime Minister and judges for key courts, although some need approval from the Federal Assembly (State Duma or Federation Council).
• Issuing Decrees: The president can create laws through decrees to guide the government and change policies.
• Veto Power: The president can reject laws from the Federal Assembly, but this can be overridden if the Duma passes the law again with a two-thirds majority.
• Dissolving the Duma: The president can dissolve the State Duma if it repeatedly rejects a prime minister nomination or budget.

Limitations:

• Term Limits: The original Constitution limited the president to two terms, but changes in 2020 allow Putin to run again in 2024, possibly extending his time in office until 2036.
• Need for Duma Approval: The president needs to work with the State Duma to pass important laws like the budget and prime minister appointment.
• Judicial Independence: Although the president appoints judges, the independence of the judiciary is limited, which affects checks on presidential power.

The Prime Minister: Role and Responsibilities

The Prime Minister is the head of government and manages daily operations. While the president is the most powerful, the prime minister plays an important role in running the government.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Government Leadership: The prime minister leads the Cabinet and ensures that government policies are carried out.
• Legislative Relations: The prime minister works with the State Duma to help laws, especially the budget, pass smoothly. They may represent the government in discussions with lawmakers.
• Economic Management: The prime minister oversees the economy, including national development and public welfare, and ensures the budget is executed.
• Appointment by the President: The president nominates the prime minister, but the Duma must approve the choice. If rejected three times, the president can dissolve the Duma and call for new elections.
• Cabinet Collaboration: The prime minister works with the Cabinet of ministers to draft laws and manage government operations.

Limitations:

• Dependence on the President: The prime minister is subordinate to the president, who has more power, especially in foreign policy and security.
• Duma Approval: The Duma can reject the president’s nominee for prime minister, which could lead to new elections, but typically the prime minister is from the president’s party.

The Cabinet and Executive Agencies: Structure and Functions

The Cabinet includes the Prime Minister and other ministers appointed by the president. The Cabinet is responsible for executing laws and the president’s decisions.

Structure of the Cabinet:

• The Prime Minister: Coordinates the activities of ministers.
• Ministers: Each minister heads a specific area of government like defense or health, overseeing policies and administration.
• Deputy Prime Ministers: The president may appoint deputy prime ministers to help manage specific sectors.

Functions of the Cabinet and Agencies:

• Policy Implementation: The Cabinet carries out the president’s policies and creates new ones for approval.
• Economic Management: The Cabinet manages the economy and public sector reforms.
• Administrative Oversight: Executive agencies handle specific government tasks, ensuring laws and decisions are implemented.

4. The Legislature of Russia

Structure and Composition: Federal Assembly (State Duma and Federation Council)

The Federal Assembly of Russia is the legislative body, made up of two parts: the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house).

• State Duma:
  • Composition: The Duma has 450 deputies elected for five years through a mixed voting system.
  • Role: The Duma is the main body for creating laws and confirms the president’s nominations for key positions.
• Federation Council:
  • Composition: The Federation Council has 170 members (two from each of Russia’s 85 regions), usually appointed by local governments.
  • Role: It reviews Duma laws, especially those affecting federal matters, but cannot completely reject them.

Functions and Powers of the Legislature

The Federal Assembly’s main job is to make laws. Key powers include:

• Legislation: The Federal Assembly debates and passes laws. Bills can come from the president, Duma members, or the Federation Council.
• Budget Approval: The Duma approves the federal budget, which is proposed by the president.
• Prime Minister Confirmation: The Duma confirms the president’s choice for prime minister. If it rejects the nominee three times, the president can dissolve the Duma and call new elections.
• Impeachment: The Federal Assembly can start impeachment against the president, but this is rare.

The Legislative Process in Russia

The legislative process in Russia is fairly straightforward, although the president often influences it.

1. Introduction of Legislation: Bills can be introduced by the president, Duma members, or the Federation Council.
2. First Reading: The Duma debates the bill and votes on whether to continue.
3. Second and Third Readings: The bill is debated further, amended, and voted on. If it passes, it goes to the Federation Council.
4. Review by Federation Council: The Federation Council can suggest changes but rarely blocks bills. If approved, it goes to the president.
5. Presidential Approval: The president can sign the bill into law or veto it. The Duma can override the veto with a two-thirds majority.

The Role of Committees in Shaping Legislation

Committees are important in the legislative process. Both the State Duma and the Federation Council have committees that closely examine bills.

• State Duma Committees: These focus on areas like defense, foreign policy, and social issues, reviewing bills before they are debated.
• Federation Council Committees: Similar to Duma committees, they review legislation and suggest amendments.

Conclusion

Russia’s executive branch is very centralized under the president, who has a lot of control over the government and policies. The prime minister and the Cabinet help with daily operations, but their power is mainly under the president. The Federal Assembly (legislature) has two houses, with the State Duma being the main one, while the Federation Council reviews laws. The legislative process is often influenced by the president, and strong centralization characterizes the system. Committees in the Federal Assembly help shape laws, but the president and ruling party hold significant power.

5. The Judiciary of Russia

Court System in Russia

Russia has a court system that deals with different kinds of legal cases. The Constitution says the judiciary should be independent, but in reality, it often faces pressure from the government, especially in sensitive political cases.

Main Parts of the Russian Judiciary:

1. Constitutional Court: This court checks that laws and government actions follow the Constitution. It interprets the Constitution and resolves disputes between the national and regional governments.
2. Supreme Court: This is the highest court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases. It oversees lower courts but does not handle constitutional issues, which are the responsibility of the Constitutional Court.
3. Lower Courts: Below the Supreme Court, there are several types of lower courts:
   • General Jurisdiction Courts: These handle most criminal, civil, and administrative cases. They include district and regional courts.
   • Arbitration Courts: These deal with business disputes and economic issues.
   • Military Courts: These handle cases involving military personnel.
4. Specialized Courts: Russia also has courts that focus on specific areas, such as administrative matters and family or labor law.

Hierarchy: The court system is organized in levels, with lower courts under the higher ones. Appeals can move from district courts to regional courts, and then to the Supreme or Constitutional Court, depending on the case.

The Role of the Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court of Russia is important for upholding the Constitution. Its main job is to make sure that laws and government actions comply with the Constitution. It also resolves conflicts between federal laws and the Constitution.

Main Functions of the Constitutional Court:

• Constitutional Review: It checks laws and government actions for compliance with the Constitution. If something is found unconstitutional, it can cancel or suspend it.
• Disputes Between Government Bodies: It resolves conflicts between different government branches or between federal and regional authorities.
• Protecting Rights: The Court ensures that basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution are respected, ruling on cases of rights violations like free speech.

However, it is often seen as influenced by the government, which can weaken its independence.

Judicial Review and Its Impact

Judicial review in Russia allows courts to check if laws and government actions are constitutional. The Constitutional Court is mainly responsible for this, but its power is limited due to the political situation.

Impact of Judicial Review:

• Constitutional Control: The Court’s decisions are final and can directly affect laws and government actions, though its ability to challenge powerful political forces is often doubted.
• Limited Independence: While judicial review should provide checks and balances, the judiciary’s reliance on the executive branch (like the president appointing judges) reduces its power to oppose government actions.
• Political Context: Judicial review is often used to support the government’s actions rather than challenge unconstitutional laws.

How Judges Are Appointed

The process for choosing judges in Russia is controlled by the executive branch.

While appointments are meant to be based on skills and experience, political factors often play a significant role.

Judicial Appointment Process:

• Supreme Court Judges: The president appoints Supreme Court judges, and the Federation Council confirms them. The president has a lot of control over these appointments.
• Constitutional Court Judges: Judges for this court are also appointed by the president and need approval from the Federation Council, raising concerns about fairness.
• Other Courts: Judges in lower courts are chosen by regional legislatures but still require the president’s approval, which gives the president significant influence.

Because the president has such a strong role in appointing judges, the independence of the judiciary is often questioned, and judicial decisions may align with government interests.

---

6. Political Parties and Elections in Russia

Main Political Parties and Their Beliefs

Russia has a few dominant political parties, with United Russia being the most powerful. The political system has become more controlled, limiting competition and marginalizing opposition parties.

1. United Russia:
   • Beliefs: This is the main party linked to President Vladimir Putin. It is center-right, supporting strong government control, Russian nationalism, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
   • Power: United Russia has a majority in the State Duma and shapes much of the political landscape.
2. Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF):
   • Beliefs: This left-wing party supports socialist policies and state ownership of key industries. It is critical of the market reforms from the 1990s.
   • Power: While the KPRF is one of the few significant opposition parties, it struggles to challenge United Russia’s power.
3. Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR):
   • Beliefs: The LDPR is a far-right populist party advocating for a strong state and anti-Western views. It often acts as loyal opposition to the Kremlin.
   • Power: The LDPR has a presence in the Duma but is seen as a controlled opposition.
4. Just Russia:
   • Beliefs: This social democratic party promotes progressive policies and aims to be a left-wing alternative to United Russia.
   • Power: Just Russia has some influence in the Duma but is much weaker than United Russia or the Communist Party.

Electoral System: Proportional Representation

Russia uses a mixed electoral system that combines proportional representation (PR) and majoritarian methods. Most seats in the State Duma are filled through proportional representation, but some are elected in single-member districts.

• Duma Elections: Half of the 450 seats are filled by proportional representation, where parties need at least 5% of the vote to win seats. The other half come from single-member districts.
• Impact: This system favors larger parties like United Russia and makes it hard for smaller parties to compete, reducing political diversity in the legislature.

Role of Political Parties in Public Policy

Political parties in Russia have a limited role in shaping laws. The system is centralized, and United Russia often acts in line with the president’s agenda. Opposition parties exist but face many challenges.

• Policy Making: United Russia’s strong position in the Duma means it mainly decides on policies, with little input from opposition groups.
• Opposition’s Role: Opposition parties can suggest alternative policies, but their influence is weak due to government restrictions.

Recent Changes in Russian Elections and Politics

• Less Political Diversity: Elections have become less competitive, with opposition candidates facing obstacles like repression and media control.
• Election Manipulation: There are claims of vote rigging and restrictions on election observers, raising doubts about the election process’s fairness.
• Stronger Control by United Russia: The ruling party has secured large majorities in the Duma, despite not having strong public support in some areas.
• Weak Opposition: Opponents like Alexei Navalny have faced legal issues and restrictions, reducing the effectiveness of opposition parties.

---

Conclusion

Russia’s judicial system is complex, with the Constitutional Court being vital for upholding the Constitution.

However, it is often seen as influenced by the government. Political parties are dominated by United Russia, while opposition parties struggle against many restrictions.

Recent elections show limited competition, reinforcing the centralized nature of Russia’s political system.

7. Federalism and Regional Governance in Russia

What is Federalism in Russia?

Federalism in Russia is based on the 1993 Constitution, which establishes the Russian Federation as a federation made up of 85 federal subjects, like regions, republics, and cities.

The goal of federalism is to balance the central government’s power with the different ethnic and cultural groups in the country.

Main Points about Russian Federalism:

1. Legal System: The Constitution gives many powers to the federal government, but it also allows regional governments some independence. Not all regions have the same level of freedom. Republics have more freedom, especially in language and culture, because they have ethnic minorities.
2. Different Levels of Autonomy: Russian federalism is asymmetric. This means that different regions have different rights. For example:
   • Republics (like Tatarstan) can have their own languages and education systems.
   • Oblasts and Krais (provinces) have less freedom and are more controlled by the federal government.
3. Centralized Power: Even with federalism, Russia has a centralized government where Moscow has a lot of control over regional authorities. The Kremlin keeps this control through appointed representatives and strict political rules that limit regional leaders’ power.

Powers and Responsibilities of Regional Governments

Regional governments in Russia have some powers, but they are usually under the federal government. The Constitution allows regional governments to handle certain areas, but federal laws often take precedence.

Key Powers and Functions:

1. Local Governance: Regions manage local governments, budgets, education, healthcare, and law enforcement.
2. Economic Policy: Regional governments help with economic growth and resource management. Regions with natural resources, like Sakhalin (oil and gas) or Tatarstan (petroleum), can promote their economic interests.
3. Cultural Autonomy: Republics and autonomous regions can promote their languages and cultures. For example, Tatarstan has significant control over language and education.
4. Law Enforcement: Law enforcement is generally controlled by the federal government, but regional authorities can still be involved in local policing, influenced by federal rules.
5. Representation: Each federal subject has a voice in the Federation Council, the upper house of the Federal Assembly. However, this representation is limited since members are usually chosen by regional leaders.

Relationship Between Federal and Regional Governments

The connection between the federal government in Moscow and regional governments is complicated.

1. Centralized Control: Since the 1990s, Russia has been centralizing power in Moscow. Under Vladimir Putin, the government has reduced regional autonomy and ensured regional governments follow federal policies.
2. Presidential Envoys: The federal government uses Presidential Envoys to make sure federal policies are carried out in the regions. These envoys can influence regional governance and remove leaders if they resist federal authority.
3. Conflicts over Autonomy: There have been disagreements between the federal government and regional leaders about autonomy, especially in regions like Chechnya and Tatarstan. Sometimes the federal government has to grant more autonomy for stability, but this is rare.
4. Economic Pressure: Regional governments rely on federal funding, making them dependent on federal policies. The central government can influence regions by changing funding or overseeing local projects.

Impact of Federalism on Russia’s Politics

Russia’s federal structure affects its political system:

1. Centralization of Power: Even though regional autonomy is recognized, Russian federalism is characterized by strong central control. The federal government dominates economic, political, and military matters.
2. Political Stability: The federal system helps keep political stability by accommodating the country’s diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds, but it also limits regional challenges to the central government.
3. Ethnic and Regional Conflicts: Federalism has been important in addressing the needs of ethnic minorities in republics, but it can also create tension. Regions with many non-Russian people, like Tatarstan, have sought more autonomy in the past, creating conflict with the federal government.
4. Bureaucratic Issues: The overlap of federal and regional authority can lead to inefficiencies, as regional governments struggle to assert their rights against federal policies.

---

8. Current Issues and Challenges in Russia

Social Movements and Their Effects on Politics

Social movements in Russia face many challenges because of the authoritarian political climate and limits on assembly and freedom of speech.

However, movements have focused on issues like corruption, civil rights, and environmental protection.

1. Pro-Democracy Movements: Groups like Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption campaign have tried to challenge the Kremlin’s centralized power. Despite facing legal troubles, Navalny’s movement has gained support, especially among young people.
2. Environmental and Labor Movements: Environmental groups opposing projects like pipelines have also become more active but face government crackdowns and little media coverage.
3. Protests: Protests against election fraud and corruption have become common, but they are often quickly suppressed by the government.

Challenges to Federalism in a Diverse Society

Russia’s federalism faces challenges in managing its many ethnic and cultural groups. With many regions having ethnic minorities, the government must balance local needs with national unity.

1. Ethnic Tensions: Some republics feel ignored or underrepresented, leading to tensions. The Chechen conflict is an example of how federalism can increase tensions, resulting in violence and calls for independence.
2. Economic Disparities: Russia’s size leads to big economic gaps. Regions like Moscow and Saint Petersburg thrive, while many areas in Siberia and the Far East remain poor. Federalism has not solved these issues.
3. Republics’ Demands: Regions like Tatarstan and Bashkortostan want more power, but the central government has limited their autonomy, causing regional dissatisfaction.

Debates on Constitutional Reform

There are discussions about changing the Constitution, especially regarding the balance of power between the federal and regional governments.

Some believe regions should have more control, while others argue for a strong centralized state.

Key proposals include:

1. Decentralizing Power: Some want to give regions more control over their policies, encouraging local involvement.
2. Strengthening Federalism: Others believe the federal system should be made stronger to better manage the diverse regions while keeping central authority.
3. Presidential Terms: Recent 2020 constitutional changes that reset President Putin’s term limits raise questions about modernization and reform needs in the political system.

Russia’s Role in Regional and Global Politics

Russia has an important role in both regional and international politics. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia influences global matters like security, trade, and diplomacy.

1. Regional Leadership: Russia aims to increase its influence in regions like Central Asia through groups like the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), positioning itself against Western influence.
2. International Relations: Under Putin, Russia has taken a stronger stance in foreign policy, especially concerning Ukraine, Syria, and the Arctic. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and involvement in the Syrian War have created tensions with the West.
3. Economic Ties: Russia maintains strong economic relationships, especially in energy, with Europe, China, and others. The Nord Stream pipeline shows Russia’s strategic importance in energy supply.

---

Conclusion

Russia’s federal system is complicated and centralized, with regional governments having limited independence.

While federalism helps address the country’s ethnic diversity, regional leaders have little power compared to the central government. Social movements and demands for autonomy from ethnic regions shape Russia’s political environment.

Ongoing discussions about constitutional reform and Russia’s role in global politics highlight the tension between central authority and regional autonomy.