Russia's Federal Legacy and Democratization

Abstract

Contends that Russia's weak & asymmetrical form of federalism impinges on democratic consolidation, suggesting that the 1990-1993 freezing of federal relations is a key to the current semiauthoritarian regime. Four factors have played roles in federal-level weakness: (1) the Soviet-era legacy of the hybrid ethno-territorial principle of federalism, (2) the 1993 Constitution's tenuous legitimacy, (3) the problem of ethnic secessionism, & (4) bilateral treaties & contract federalism. The relationship of federalism to democracy is discussed, noting Russia exhibits regional diversity in civil society development, electoral practices, & adherence to constitutional norms & exercise of human rights. Local & regional political & economic elites have taken advantage of federal weakness, with clientelism, patrimonialism, & corruption rampant. The lack of strong leadership on the part of the federal law enforcement undermines the Constitution & thwarts the development of legal culture, thus, democracy. It is concluded that the legacy of ethnoterritorial federalism has generated major tensions & divisions. Bilateralism is seen as an attempt to counter this asymmetrical form of federalism, but it undercut the Constitution, leading to ethnic secessionism & demands for legal separation, which resulted in Yeltsin conceding more & more power to regional elites in exchange for support. J. Zendejas