Making and Breaking Democratic Transitions The Comparative Politics of Russia's Regions

by Gel'man, Vladimir; Ryzhenkov, Sergei; Brie, Michael; Avdonin, Vladimir; Ovchinnikov, Boris

• ISBN13: 9780742525610
• ISBN10: 0742525619
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-01-12
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

Focusing on the vastly different outcomes of post-Soviet regime transitions, this study explores why some societies have become more democratic and some have not. Based on in-depth comparative analyses, the book assesses political developments in six of Russia's regions (Saratov, Nizhnii Novgorod, Volgograd, Ryazan', Ul'yanovsk, and Tver' oblasts) since 1988.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	1	(10)
1 Transformations and Regimes: Uncertainty and Its Consequences	11	(30)
2 Regional Political Regimes and Governance Systems in Russia	41	(34)
3 Saratov Oblast: Winner Takes All	75	(28)
4 Nizhnii Novgorod,Oblast: The Limits of "Elite Settlement"	103	(28)
5 Volgograd Oblast: Structural Pluralism and Fragile Bicentrism	131	(28)
6 Ryazan' Oblast: From Structural Dualism to "Elite Settlement"	159	(28)
7 Ul'yanovsk Oblast: Transition without Elite Change	187	(28)
8 Tver' Oblast: Proto-Politics	215	(28)
9 Comparative Perspective: Political Dynamics of Regime Change	243	(36)
Conclusion	279	(4)
Bibliography	283	(14)
Index	297	(12)
About the Authors	309