The Sword of Damocles: State Governability in Putin's Third Term. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flikke, Geir
• Is Part Of: Problems of post-communism. Volume 65:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 434
• Page End: 446
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Post-communism -- Periodicals; Post-communism; Periodicals; 330.91717
• DOI: 10.1080/10758216.2017.1291308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-8216

Abstract

Abstract : Hybrid regime theories offer fruitful insights into how semi-authoritarian regimes maintain stability, without explaining how they cope with loss of legitimacy caused by popular protests. Under such conditions, a hybrid regime must adopt measures to restore the equilibrium, but this may spur more protest and resistance while law enforcement becomes more volatile and non-systematic, making the governance gaps increasingly evident. This article explores the content and consequences of "resurgent authoritarianism"—the Russian hybrid regime's effort to control popular mobilization after 2011/2012 through stricter control of political space, interventions in media and society, and duplication of state institutions.