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.

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9780312293376

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'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. Naval War College.

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