Features of the Regional Political Process: The Case of Russia

Abstract

In the period of 1999-2007 Russia’s development was characterized by rapid economic recovery, increased welfare of
citizens, and formation of robust and stable political system. Actually the political competition was minimized at the federal level. This
was achieved both by means of forming new institutional framework for the political process and political competition, and through direct
struggle of political actors. Visible political competition, political opposition, and political protest disappeared in many of regions of the
Russian Federation. The Financial Crisis, which started in 2008, radically changed the economic situation in Russia. As a result
numerous protests were organized in many towns and regions. Regional opposition political groups used actively the current critical
situation for the political struggle. It is becoming more difficult for the officials, political parties loyal to the government, and actors of the
regional political process to maneuver between the critical socio-economic situation and the necessity of displaying loyalty to federal
ruling elite.