The True Nature of Democracy in Putin’s Russia

Before Vladimir Putin came to power, Russia was a young and emerging democracy. However, under Putin's rule, the landscape has shifted dramatically. For the past twenty-three years, Putin has reversed almost everything his predecessors accomplished, reducing Russia back to a form of governance that bears the hallmarks of old Soviet communism.

The term 'democracy' in Russia is more of a misnomer than a reality. Putin's regime has transformed Russia into a dictatorship, which is a form of government characterized by a concentration of all power in the hands of a single individual or a tiny elite, typically without effective constitutional limitations and without free elections. This form of governance may sound familiar to those who remember the harsh realities of the Soviet era. Russia under Putin has been a dictatorship for such a prolonged period that it may become a permanent fixture in its political structure.

Dictatorships, whether they span several generations or not, always have their flaws. When a dictator is passed down through generations, it often leads to a complete lack of experience and a severe misalignment of the leader with the needs of the people. This is exemplified by the situation in North Korea, where the third-generation leader lacks any practical experience in governing and faces a growing list of domestic and international challenges.

Comparing Putin's Russia to North Korea

North Korea's leadership has become increasingly isolated and impoverished as its leaders lack knowledge of the real world. The current leader of North Korea has no practical experience and solely relies on inherited power, rendering the country's path towards progress unfeasible. Much like North Korea, Putin maintains a tight grip on Russia, silencing opposition and prioritizing his agenda over the well-being of the Russian people.

Putin's Relationship with International Law and Democracy

While the West has often criticized Putin's administration for its authoritarian tendencies, it is important to note that Putin and his allies do not strive to blatantly violate international laws. In fact, Putin is a lawyer who respects the rule of law when international law aligns with his interests. This dual approach is not unusual, given the complex dynamics between legal and political systems in Russia.

Democracy, a term derived from the Greek word demos and meaning 'power of the people,' is often misapplied. While Russia and Western countries both fall short in promoting true democracy, accusing Russia of lacking democracy based on free speech and elections alone is unfair and simplistic. Russian citizens experience a form of democracy that, in many ways, is more direct and responsive to the will of the people than what is often seen in Western countries, where political discourse is often cloaked in complexity and procedural formalities.

Another Perspective on Free Speech in Putin’s Russia

There are limitations on freedom of speech in Russia, just as there are in the West. However, the nature of these limitations is different. In Western countries, there are often restrictions on hate speech, libel, and other forms of speech that can cause harm. In Russia, freedom of speech is more curtailed, but it is still present. Critics in Russia face political and legal consequences, but they can still express their views on various issues.

The 2020 and 2022 elections in Russia have been met with skepticism by many Western observers. However, an analysis reveals that the Russian electoral process often reflects the will of the people, even if not entirely free and fair. The European Union, which some see as an illegitimate body, has its own issues and should not be used to denigrate Russia's electoral processes.

In conclusion, while Putin's Russia is undeniably a far cry from the ideals of true democracy, it is not entirely devoid of democratic aspects. The limitations and challenges faced by Russian citizens should be acknowledged and discussed, but a blanket statement portraying Russia as a complete despotism is misguided and overlooks the complexities of its political system.