Democratization in Russia and the global financial crisis

McAllister, I. and White, S. (2011) Democratization in Russia and the global financial crisis. Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics, 27(3-4), pp. 476-495. (doi: 10.1080/13523279.2011.595159)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:White, Professor Stephen
Authors: McAllister, I., and White, S.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics
Publisher:Routledge
ISSN:1352-3279
Published Online:15 September 2011

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
465971Bilateral Australia: Crafting Authoritarian Politics.Stephen WhiteEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)ES/F026269/1SPS - POLITICS
476691Crafting Electoral Authoritarianism: The Russian CaseStephen WhiteEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)ES/G005125/1SPS - POLITICS