Реферат: Consolidation Of Democracy In PostSoviet Russia Essay

Nationalism in multiethnic areas in the Russian Federation has provided a substantial challenge for

democratization. There is a direct relationship between democratization and ethnic peace (Smitter 72). In

a democratically weak society, ethnicity assumes a stronger role, and when democracy and ethnicity are

balanced, political stability is possible. As a result of a lack of democratic institutions and channels for

dialogue, Russia?s inhabitants are now increasingly identifying themselves as members of ethnic groups

rather than as citizens of the Russian Federation (Drobizheva).

An important development in center-periphery relations is the growing importance of ?economic

nationalism,? an effort to create an economic basis for political independence. Economic nationalism is a

protective defense against the Russian federal government?s economic dominance. Alternatively, it is also

a sign that the republics wish to retain relations with Moscow since politics remains primarily in the

hands of the center (Drobizheva).

For example, Tatarstan and Sakha-Yakutia both have a wealth of natural resources, giving them a

potential advantage in economic development and a desire to establish control over these resources.

Tatarstan, for example, strives to sell its oil at world market prices in foreign markets to generate income,

and in 1993-94, the local governments in Tatarstan and Yakutia sought economic decentralization in

Russia by refusing to pay federal taxes. Consequently, an agreement reached between the federal

government and the republics gave the latter what they wanted: increased economic autonomy

(Drobizheva).

Further inquiry into the agreements with Tartarsan demonstrates the flexibility the Yeltsin regime is

willing to employ in dealing with possible powder-keg situations. A treaty signed on February 15, 1994

attempted to mollify the tensions on both sides. The treaty affirmed Tartarsan right to its own

?international and economic relations? and, as previously noted, provided substantial autonomy in

economic issues for Tartarsan. Smoothing over contradictions in each state?s constitution, the agreement

affirms the union between Russia and Tartarsan (Lapidus 107). The treaty with Tartarsan provides a

possible blueprint for future center-periphery relations. It forebears a evolving and fluid approach that

should be beneficial in establishing a stable democracy. But in typical Yeltsin contradictory manner, the

war in Chechnya has demonstrated the worst of the Yeltsin regime.

The conflict between Chechnya and the Russian Federation should not be considered an ethnic conflict.

The authorities did not even give as a pretext for the invasion the defense of Russian-speaking people.