Grigory Yudin: Democracy in Russia - what went wrong

The Role of the People in Democracy The essence of democracy lies in people voting and saying 'Yes' when the concept of right is devoid of any meaningful relation to reason and justice. Any administrative order, command, or directive can be turned into law by a decision of parliament or other legislative bodies.

Theory vs. Practice: The End of History Political theory raises questions about the significance it holds for building democracy. Fukuyama's idea that liberal democracy is the inevitable state leading to progress does not mean it will happen immediately everywhere; transition to democracy involves classification from authoritarianism to full democracies.

Transition Paradigm: From Authoritarianism to Democracy 'Transit paradigm' classifies countries based on their position on a scale transitioning from non-democracy towards full-fledged democracies. It also explains why some countries have already made this transition while others are still catching up through various reformation processes.

Challenges in Transitioning Towards Democracy 'From dictatorship to democracy,' Gene Sharp's book outlines rules for making this shift, emphasizing that Russia has been following these guidelines despite facing challenges and criticism from its government.

Transition Paradigm We are in a transition stage, and the paradigm of transit is discredited. Countries like Russia faced problems with this paradigm, leading to a democratic setback known as 'democratic backing.' This led to the emergence of various qualifications for democracy.

Democratic Backing The so-called rollback of democracy began around 2010 in countries that were considered ahead. Examples include Hungary and Poland, where there was a change in government resulting in more severe situations than before. The concept of hybrid regimes gained popularity due to its relevance to multiple countries' political trajectories.

Criticism and the attempt to save the old paradigm. Factors contributing to its failure, including cultural heritage and societal structure.

What if everything went according to plan, but now there's an unexpected turn? It seems that something was not built correctly and we didn't reach the finish. The paradigm of transit democracy is being questioned.

In the 1990s, Russia underwent rapid transformations and a short discussion about normative desirability took place. The paradigm shift was met with strong opposition, but it did not deter individuals like Sakharov and Solzhenitsyn from expressing their ideas. Egor Gaidar's government implemented emergency reforms without significant influence from these discussions.

The three main prerequisites for democracy are: the definition of democracy as the power of the people, including honest elections and guarantees of rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech. Another important element is the transition to a market economy through market reforms. Finally, there are various answers mentioned here related to human rights protection, separation of powers, and constitutional elements all linked with rule-of-law.

The Concept of Minimal Democracy Minimal democracy theory, proposed by Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter in the mid-20th century, defines democracy as an institutional arrangement for making political decisions through competitive voting. It emphasizes that individuals gain power to make decisions through competitive voting and highlights the minimal role of the people.

Evolution of Universal Suffrage Universal suffrage emerged in the mid-19th century and gradually expanded to include broader social classes and eventually women after World War I. This led to responsible individuals competing in elections, influencing decision-making processes directly or indirectly.

Democracy as a Product of Elitist Thinking The theory suggests that modern democracy is a direct result of elite thinking rather than being purely driven by popular demand. It points out that elections are central to defining democracy; without them, it cannot exist according to this perspective.

The 1990s Elections and the Destruction of Institutions In the 1990s, there were significant challenges in elections with unexpected outcomes. Liberal democrats faced a problem when Vladimir Zhirinovsky won with little prior recognition. The discussion about election falsification is less important than the destruction or suppression of democratic institutions during this transitional period.

Transition Period: Perestroika and Democratic Institutions During the transition period, there was a revival of old Soviet forms followed by attempts to reintroduce them without much success. Municipal self-government was introduced but not developed further. Federalism as a decentralized democratic institution also faced uncertainty initially, despite Yeltsin's call for sovereignty.

Rise of Caesar-Like Figures in Modern Politics The emergence of a Caesar-like figure is a trend in modern political history, characterized by the rise of strong leaders who bypass traditional power structures and rely directly on the people. This challenges the concept of democracy as it shifts power to a single leader while relegating the role of the people to passive acclamation.

Democracy's Evolution into Rule by Strong Leaders The theory behind this phenomenon sees democracy as giving way to elections that pave the way for such figures when other democratic institutions disappear. It logically justifies their appearance and legitimizes their authority based on popular support, effectively reshaping governance into rule by a strong leader with minimal input from citizens.

Democracy and Economic Growth The theory of modernization suggests that democracy is a part of the process, leading to societal progress. The transition from non-market institutions to market institutions is closely linked with the shift from dictatorship to democracy. The development of a middle class is believed to create conditions for democracy.

Challenges in Applying Theory The relationship between economic growth and democratization faces challenges in countries like China, where economic prosperity does not necessarily align with democratic principles. Countries such as Russia and Turkey also present complexities in this regard.

Interconnectedness of Democracy and Capitalism There exists harmony between capitalism and democracy; they complement each other's development. However, practical application presents difficulties due to various factors affecting different countries' political systems.

Evolution of Russian Liberalism In the early 1990s, Russian liberalism split into two groups due to harsh realities and unfavorable election outcomes. One group continued to expect democracy through economic growth, while the other quickly became disillusioned with democracy and embraced a free market but rejected democracy. This ideological divide began forming early on but intensified in the last 15 years.

Putin's Affiliation with Liberalism Putin originally belonged to a group that favored liberal economic policies but not political liberalism. He continues to advocate for Russia as a country with a market economy, emphasizing his stance on this issue.

The Concept of Law and Democracy Legal scholar Karl Schmitt challenges the idea that law is inherently just, pointing out that laws can be arbitrary and easily manipulated. He emphasizes that some of the most heinous crimes in history were committed under legal frameworks, highlighting the need for a deeper connection between law and justice.

Usurpation of Power Through Legal Means Scholars note an increasing trend where authoritarian regimes use legal mechanisms to consolidate power, as seen in post-Soviet transitions. This approach shifts focus from collective will to individual principles, aiming to avoid reliance on dangerous populist ideas after totalitarian rule.

Reforming Legal Institutions and Democratic Processes The shift towards prioritizing the rule of law over collective will has led to transformations in legal institutions during post-Soviet periods. The emphasis on abstract principles rather than popular sovereignty aims at preventing potential dangers arising from totalitariansm while promoting a more balanced democratic system.

Neoliberal Democracy vs Dictatorship of Law in Russia The concept of 'neoliberal democracy' and the dictatorship of law is often discussed in relation to Russia today. Some argue that there is too much democracy and too little liberalism, leading to a complex relationship between the two concepts. However, Russian legislation is largely based on liberal constitutionalism and procedural legitimacy.

Putin's Emphasis on Legal Rationality Vladimir Putin has built his power on legal rationality, emphasizing strict adherence to the law as a rational approach. The idea of 'dictatorship of law' suggests that if laws are good, then it can lead to positive outcomes; however, this assumes that laws are not always arbitrary or dictatorial when enacted.

The state was built with legitimacy derived from elections, ensuring the continuity of leadership. The system adheres to market economy laws and protects them persistently.

The Concept of Normative Crisis Normative crisis is not just a Russian problem, but it's strongly expressed in Russia. Navalny suggests the idea of trying again, but now it seems wrong because the very idea of trying again induces horror and selling out to no one is fair. This normative crisis paralyzes any political change that any society needs.

Challenges with Building a Better System In Russia, there seems to be difficulty in questioning how things should be done differently; there's a blockage on discussing how to make things better or what should be done. It's hard and painful to think about what should be and immediately feels like nothing will change anyway.

The Misunderstanding of Democracy People often misunderstand the concept of democracy and build it based on primitive ideas. The absence of a clear normative model leads to dangerous ideological errors in liberal democracies, causing crises and leading to the need for new normative standards.

The Flawed Theory of Minimal Democracy The theory of minimal democracy cannot serve as the basis for democratic construction; it was never intended for that purpose. It is designed solely to achieve backward goals by minimizing government power, which creates a crisis in countries labeled as liberal democracies.

Building a Better Society Through Normative Choices Current political conditions require us to consider what kind of society we want to build rather than just focusing on democracy or economic growth. We must make difficult choices between equality and economic progress while seeking normative models that reflect our aspirations towards justice and improvement.

Making Parliament a Place for Discussion In order to develop a common understanding of justice, there needs to be a platform and constant discussion in the parliament. The absence of parliamentary discussions is symptomatic of people not talking with each other about politics, which is an important issue in countries like Russia.

The Role of Constant Communication The solution should focus on reviving the parliament as an expression of public discussion rather than just hoping for its revival. It requires continuous communication platforms at various levels starting from local self-government, involving people in ongoing discussions and accountability.

The Impossibility Theorem of Democracy The famous mathematician Lyosha Savateev loves the theorem of Arrow and is passionate about explaining it. He believes that democracy is impossible in principle because decision-making by different people for the common good does not work. The theorem states that if there are three agents with different preferences, it's impossible to reach a decision where everyone is satisfied.

Democracy as an Ever-Changing Influence Democracy originates from ancient Greece and involves strong persuasion and influence among individuals. In this system, no one can remain unchanged, and communication plays a vital role in shaping opinions. It emphasizes the need for constant persuasion rather than relying on unchanging preferences.

The Impact of Economic Reforms on Democracy The economic reforms in Russia led to a significant impact on the country's transition to democracy. The initial high approval rating for Yeltsin was based on the expectation of positive changes, but inflation and economic instability caused severe consequences for the people.

Challenges Faced by Elites and Society The elite received a mandate from the people for specific reforms, but they were poorly executed due to reliance on flawed economic models. The rapid inflation and erosion of savings created widespread hardship among the population, leading to disillusionment with political leadership.

Conflict Between Laws and Ideological Principles Laws passed during this period contradicted established legal theories, creating philosophical dilemmas about justice. The Nuremberg Trials serve as an example where legal interpretation clashed with moral principles, highlighting inherent challenges in aligning laws with ethical standards.

Crisis of Democracy The lecture discusses the crisis of democracy and its potential consequences, including the rise of authoritarianism and totalitarianism in some countries. It also explores the concept that progress with states like Turkey, Hungary, and Poland may be followed by regression due to tactical situations related to social networks.

Democratic Critique The critique addresses modern political science's mainstream views on democracy. It highlights two main lines: one suggesting that everything is more complex than thought but manageable, while another advocates for a stronger focus on liberalism over democracy. The discussion includes debates about restricting certain political parties in Germany as an example.

Global Political Crisis The speaker discusses the global political crisis and the high probability of a third world war. He emphasizes that this crisis is not limited to Russia but exists in various countries, posing a significant threat.

Normative Model Crisis The speaker criticizes normative models and their lack of viable alternatives, highlighting the danger when there are no alternative ideas present. He also mentions his preference for certain alternatives but acknowledges the uncertainty about what should replace existing models.

Ideological Vacuum Situation The video addresses an ideological vacuum situation where good ideas are lacking, leading to aggressive solutions dominating over solidarity. The absence of new ideas results in issues being resolved through force rather than innovative thinking, indicating a crisis of ideology.

Constitutional Impact on Rise of Caesarism The role of the constitution in the rise of Caesarism is evident through its impact on Russia's current situation. The Constitution of 1993, based on French traditions, was introduced at a critical moment similar to historical episodes of Bonapartism and Caesarism. It reflects undemocratic tendencies and lacks effective checks and balances for presidential powers.

Need for Democratic Constitution The discussion revolves around the need for a new constitution that embodies democratic principles with greater civil participation, local self-government, federalization, subsidiarity principle, real regional autonomy as well as addressing the shift towards presidential systems resembling parliamentary republics like Germany or France.

The role of experts in building and correcting the current Constitution, as well as their limitations. The presence of a significant ideological error related to blind faith in the power of experts.

Learning to negotiate in chats involves understanding the difference between 'yes' and 'nu,' recognizing individual preferences, and overcoming communication barriers. Deliberative discussions can be improved by teaching simple debate organization rules.

Formation of Common Good Image Possible future images in Russia and the need for a common good. The formation of a common good image is complex, involving communication skills and conflicting viewpoints on what constitutes the common good.

Competing Notions of Public Interest The concept of general justice and its conflicts. Competing notions about what constitutes the public interest lead to conflict, requiring skillful management rather than majority decision-making.

Resistance Against External Laws Challenges with external laws imposed without legitimacy or consent. The issue arises when external laws are enforced without internal consensus, leading to resistance based on lack of legitimacy.

Emerging Desire for Inclusive Vision Tendencies towards collective action for change in Russia's political landscape. There is an emerging desire among various groups to unite and take action toward a more inclusive vision that considers social well-being as part of their shared interests.

Generational Divide and Political Language The older generation in Russia is disconnected from the younger generation due to a lack of common language and political discourse. The remnants of the communist political language are unfamiliar to the new generation, leading to a generational divide.

Soviet Totalitarian Language Revival The emergence of a Soviet totalitarian language is observed in contemporary Russian society, indicating an alarming revival. This poses challenges as it hinders healthy dialogue and intertwines with bureaucratic elements.

National Consensus on Societal Needs There is widespread consensus on the need for civic participation, control over land use, investment in healthcare and education, territorial connectivity improvement, human-nature relationship reevaluation, thematic transition management awareness raising about civil engagement for better governance.