Event Title
The Personalism of Putin's Regime
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Political Science
Mentor Information
Heather L. Tafel, tafelh@gvsu.edu
Department
Political Science
Location
Kirkhof Center 2215
Start Date
13-4-2011 4:30 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 5:00 PM
Keywords
Freedom and Control, Historical Perspectives, World Perspective
Abstract
Research has shown that Vladimir Putin has a loyal base of supporters which allows him to have a strong unchallenged authoritarian rule in Russia. I argue that the current regime is characterized by a personalistic rule. I plan to demonstrate the ways that Putin has maintained his personalistic support within his own party, United Russia, and amongst other prominent political and economic elites. First I demonstrate how Putin strategically balances rival clans, the conservative siloviki and St. Petersburg liberals. Secondly, I show how Putin's appointments to state-owned companies have increased his support. Thirdly, I discuss patronage in the regime and the grand bargain between United Russia and Putin allowing them to lobby for special interests in exchange for support. Lastly, I will discuss the emerging formation of a personality cult that creates popular support outside the regime, and its contribution to Putin's ability to maintain control over Russia.
The Personalism of Putin's Regime
Kirkhof Center 2215
Research has shown that Vladimir Putin has a loyal base of supporters which allows him to have a strong unchallenged authoritarian rule in Russia. I argue that the current regime is characterized by a personalistic rule. I plan to demonstrate the ways that Putin has maintained his personalistic support within his own party, United Russia, and amongst other prominent political and economic elites. First I demonstrate how Putin strategically balances rival clans, the conservative siloviki and St. Petersburg liberals. Secondly, I show how Putin's appointments to state-owned companies have increased his support. Thirdly, I discuss patronage in the regime and the grand bargain between United Russia and Putin allowing them to lobby for special interests in exchange for support. Lastly, I will discuss the emerging formation of a personality cult that creates popular support outside the regime, and its contribution to Putin's ability to maintain control over Russia.