Overview

Why has Russian democracy apparently survived and even strengthened under a presidential system, when so many other presidential regimes have decayed into authoritarian rule? And what are the origins of presidential power in modern Russia? Thomas M. Nichols argues that the answer lies in the relationship between political institutions and trust: where society, and consequently politics, is fractious and divided, structural safeguards inherent in presidentialism actually serve to strengthen democratic behaviour. The Russian presidency is not the cause of social turmoil in Russia, but rather a successful response to it. This book's emphasis on the social origins of Russian politics explains not only the unexpected survival of Russian democracy, but encourages a reconsideration of the relationship between institutions, social conditions, and democracy.

Full Product Details

Author:   Thomas M. Nichols
Publisher:   Palgrave Macmillan
Imprint:   Palgrave Macmillan
Dimensions:   Width: 14.30cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 21.60cm
Weight:   0.371kg
ISBN:  

9780333912935

ISBN 10:   0333912934
Pages:   224
Publication Date:   17 January 2000
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction: The Paradox of Russian Presidentialism Presidentialism and the Politics of Mistrust in Modern Russia The Creation of the Soviet Presidency: Social Chaos and Executive Power, 1989-1991 The Rise and Fall of the First Russian Republic, 1991-1993 The Unexpected Second Russian Republic Electing the Russian President, 1996 The Future of Russian Presidential Democracy

Reviews

'Thomas M. Nichols has provided a highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of the Russian presidency under Boris Yeltsin.' - Slavic Review 'I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone interested in Russian politics, and I am sure that others with a more general interest in democratic theory and the politics of transition would also find much of value here.' - Mike Bowker, Democratization

'Thomas M. Nichols has provided a highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of the Russian presidency under Boris Yeltsin.' - Slavic Review 'I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone interested in Russian politics, and I am sure that others with a more general interest in democratic theory and the politics of transition would also find much of value here.' - Mike Bowker, Democratization

Author Information

THOMAS M. NICHOLS is Associate Professor of Strategy at the U.S. Navel War College.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions