Russia's Move to Democracy

Paper Summary:

This paper suggests that because of the creation of certain institutions of government, Russia is institutionally closer to democracy than it was ten years ago. Its newly structured (some would say deconstructed) economy has generated enough new wealth that its populace will not accept a return to a command economy. But its ability to create a functional democracy that will honor a people's social and civil rights is just as tenuous as it was in 1991 when Boris Yeltsin came to power.

From the Paper:

"According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th edition, a democracy is a a philosophy that insists on the right and the capacity of a people, acting either directly or through representatives, to control their institutions for their own purposes. Such a philosophy places a high value on the equality of individuals and would free people as far as possible from restraints not self-imposed. It insists that necessary restraints be imposed only by the consent of the majority and that they conform to the principle of equality. Given this definition of democracy, is Russia any closer to a fully functioning, democratic system of government than it was ten years ago when Boris Yeltsin assumed the presidency?"

More papers on Russia's Move to Democracy:

• Essay # 6024 : "Life and Democracy in Present Day Russia"
• Analytical Essay # 143210 : "Democracy In Russia"
• Analytical Essay # 144267 : "Civil Society in Russia"

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