Federalism
The most important achievements in early post-Soviet Russia were the creation of a federal system & the establishment of scheduled elections. However, federalism in Russia substitutes rhetoric for reality with regard to many substantive elements of Western federalism. It is more a decorative ritual than a democratic function. This chapter examines the roots of Russian federalism, as far back as the 11th century, & its development in the post-Soviet era. It is concluded that Vladimir Putin does not want a system of political pluralism or development of grassroots parties. His vision for Russia is one of a vertical, not horizontal, chain of command, with a strong national police presence in control at the regional level. Figures. J. Stanton