Abstract
This paper reports on the positives and negatives Russia has experienced while attempting to change into a democratic society, the corruption that is a part of the Russian political system, Russia's economy and policies towards civil rights and its relationship with the United States.

Table of Contents
A Brief Review of Why Russia Needed to Become Democratic
Switching from Communism to Democracy
Putin's Corruption
Putin's Reforms
Women's Movement
Human Rights
Russia's Economic Hard Times
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Meanwhile, Russia has had a good recent track record when it comes to economic growth, which is reflected in a 7.3% increase in Gross National Production (GNP) in 2003, Sleivyte explains (65). That rise in GNP is largely due, though, to the sale of oil internationally; indeed, energy accounted for "50% of Russia's total export earnings in 2003," and Putin's government also looked good economically because the price of oil was high. But overall, there are fewer freedoms in Russia than five years ago, partly because Putin has launched an "anti-terrorism" campaign - a "state of war" against international terrorists "bent on destroying Russia" - which, in reality, Sleivyte writes, "has no relation to the fight against terrorism," but rather a trade-off of "less freedom for more security.""

Tags:nation, czarist, repression, dictatorship, upheaval, mikhail, gorbachev, boris, yeltsin

Abstract
This paper discusses that the main difference between social democracy and capitalism lies in the disagreement over human nature and economics. Social democracy is founded on the premise that a certain amount of competitiveness will allow the production of economic growth. This growth, in turn, stimulates the economy further. The competitiveness, meanwhile, derives naturally from the human trait of self-interest. Communism, however, holds that there is no such thing as human nature. Both Marx and Rousseau believed that man was social and that both could be reshaped. In other words, self-interest was socially constructed and man could be changed to reject his own interest. The difference between communism and social democracy, therefore, centres precisely on this disagreement over human nature.

Abstract
This paper examines the factors that have contributed to the election of the same political party in Russia since the fall of Communism. Russia has been in an economic depression since the fall of the Soviet Union, yet the same party is re-elected through democratic vote. The reasons for this puzzling outcome are discussed in this paper and identified as using democracy to purge the conservative communists of their rank, old elites regaining state control and loyalty of those counting the votes. Each factor is discussed in great detail along with its contribution and impact on the electoral outcome. This paper is ideal for anyone, from a Russian politics expert to a curious novice.

From the Paper
"Mikhail Gorbachev, along with the Soviet leaders was the first to introduce semi competitive elections into the USSR and then later Russia. Although elections are a focal point of a democracy, they were not initiated by Gorbachev for this use. "The goal of these elections was to purge the conservative ranks of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from their positions of power within state structures as a way to liberate these state institutions and thereby make them available as instruments by executing Gorbachev's economic reforms" (McFaul and Petrov, 24). The existing powers of the Soviet Union at the time of the introduction of democracy were all communists, who held high political ranks. In order for Gorbachev to implement his reformation of the economy, these political figures needed to be removed from their ranks, otherwise there would be great opposition to the changes planned. When these leaders were removed, the state organizations were free from communist control and could be used in any way that Gorbachev desired."

Tags:authoritative, campaigns, communism, communists, competative, control, cpsu, democracy, depression, eastern, economic, elections, electoral, elites, europe, gorbachev, history, kramlin, leaders, power, process, putin, rank, russia, russian, soviet, state, studies, union, ussr, voters

Abstract
This paper briefly examines whether democracy can be implemented through hostility and violence. It uses as examples the eradication of Communism in post World War II Germany and the failures of the American-led war in Iraq. The paper concludes that it is possible but before such an undertaking the invading nation must weigh the short and long term consequences.

From the Paper
"One of the possible failures of the American-led war in Iraq is that it was not merely about removing Saddam Hussein. Executing him has not created a blanket solution. Indeed, there is some semblance of the beginnings of people's contribution to rule in Iraq. There is also a large infusion of finances from the U.S., to reintroduce societal infrastructure into that country. One of the possible failures of the war could be that Western nations, its leaders and people do not understand the Islamic mindset. Surrounding Islamic countries might foster unrest if nothing else to demoralize the West and decrease this influence. Since most of these countries are kingdoms or ruled by despots, these nations have a hidden agenda to create unrest and present the U.S.-led invasion and its aftermath as a failure. Having been identified a failure in the eyes of the world would prevent any possible invasion of the other Islamic kingdoms or fiefdoms."

Tags:Iraq, Germany, Communism

Abstract
The question of the extension of democracy into the modern workplace represents a particularly fascinating topic of study in our contemporary era of 21st century globalization, and in the wake of the 20th century Cold War ideological struggle of Western capitalism and Soviet communism. This paper will examine the question of whether democracy can realistically be extended into the modern workplace, beginning with a review of the current critical literature of the different perspectives on this question, and moving to an analysis of these findings with respect to real-world concrete examples. As will be seen, democracy may be - and in many cases has - been efficiently extended into the workplace only where the size and structure of the enterprise supports democratic practices.

From the Paper
Can Democracy Be Effectively Extended into the Workplace? Introduction The question of the extension of democracy into the modern workplace represents a particularly fascinating topic of study in our contemporary era of 21^st century globalization, and in the wake of the 20^th century Cold War ideological struggle of Western capitalism and Soviet communism. This paper will examine the question of whether democracy can realistically be extended into the modern workplace, beginning with a review of the current critical literature of the different perspectives on this question, and moving to an analysis of these findings with respect to

Tags:democracy, policy, business

Abstract
This paper examines the origins of communism from the original ideals of Karl Marx, which were implemented for the first time as a model of government by the first Russian Prime Minster Lenin. The paper argues that research suggests that the fall of communism is due to the departure of the application and practice of communism from the ideals of communism and that the ideals of communism have ultimately proved unrealistic and impractical, a fact officially verified with the fall of communism. The paper also argues that since the original ideals of communism could not realistically be preserved, they have proved to be ultimately just an ideological basis for totalitarian dictators in Russia.

From the Paper
"The original ideals of Communism came from the writings of Karl Marx, and were implemented for the first time as a model of government by the first Russian Prime Minster Lenin. The true ideal of Communism is the equal distribution of wealth among the people. No property thus is owned by the private citizen, and wealth and property is owned, controlled, and distributed by the government. As we will see, the Soviet government took full advantage of the ownership of everything clause, but then became brutal totalitarians with little or no concern for the welfare of the people, leading to years of oppression instead of true Communism, and equal sharing of wealth and property. In historical retrospect, the ideals of Communism were used as nothing more than a means by which to oppress subjects and perpetuate totalitarian rule under the guise of the model of government labeled Communism. "

Tags:russia, marx, lenin, democracy

Abstract
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?"

Tags:Soviet, Communism, COmmunist, election, reform, democratic

Abstract
The paper discusses the United States' direct military interventions and their success rates according to different historical analysts. The paper shows how, although the numbers may not show a decisive success of US foreign policy to promote democracy around the world, they are not showing that the balance is inclined the other way either. The paper concludes that the perfect instrument in fighting dictatorship has not been invented yet.

From the Paper
"After the Second World War, the US gained hegemony over the rest of the world nations that decisively contributed to its hegemony in the foreign relations. Its implication in supporting by direct or indirect means became massive and activated on all continents. The most direct way to asses the success of the US in promoting democracy among the state nations is to look at the statistical data and draw conclusions based on facts. But, the implications and the means used by the US along the years are far more complex and sometimes more vague or not yet revealed to the public and therefore conclusions based on statistical results would be accurate in numbers but maybe far reality."

Tags:foreign, interventions, military, Communism, dictatorships

Abstract
This paper defines the concept of democracy. The paper sums up the history of China, stating that, for the past two millennia, the geographic location now called China has been fought over by a handful of powerful families and tribes trying to gain the strongest hold upon the nation's economy. The paper explains that dynasty upon dynasty was formed, came to power, decayed, and was overthrown through the course of history. The paper contends that until very recently China could be categorized as a feudal nation. The paper explores China's rapid jump from being a feudal nation to a contender for world power with a furiously modern outlook.

From the Paper
"Any democratic system for governing a group of people, small or large, must maintain the best interests of all the individuals involved. This general criterion must be upheld regardless of whether specifically what these best interests are cannot be unanimously agreed upon. Ideally, a democracy allows everyone involved an equal voice and vote regarding every decision that concerns that organization. Robert Dahl identifies the five primary components of the ideal democracy: "1. Effective participation. 2. Equality in voting. 3. Gaining enlightened understanding. 4. Exercising final control over the agenda. 5. Inclusion of adults." (Dahl 38). Essentially, along every step of the decision-making process each member of this association must have an equal opportunity to voice their opinions, vote, learn about the issues, choose what matters are to be considered, and everyone of age must be involved."

Tags:asia, feudalism, communism

Abstract
The paper argues that the current ideology of democracy is far from being realized in a collegial environment, which has decidedly turned toward career advancement and self serving standards. The paper highlights how the article "Disengaging from Democracy" by Tim McQuade defines democracy as being far les present in the current American college scene, reflecting far less protest against how America is engaged within the international community.

Tags:politics, iinternational, democracy