A "Virtual President" for a "Virtual Democracy"

Pierre Hassner provides an insightful commentary on Russia's current domestic and foreign politics, and perhaps even more intriguing, describes the probable domestic and foreign policies Russia could adopt in the future to meet its end goals.  In doing so, Hassner makes an ingenious distinction between Vladimir Putin's "virtual democracy"--an image created to cater to the democracy-loving 'West'--and the true governmental structure that lies beneath this democracy facade.  Hassner asserts that in reality, Putin has placed Russia on a course away from democracy and towards autocracy.  In the article "Russia's transition to Autocracy" Hassner states that Putin's "predominant strategy sought to maintain the appearance of democarcy while progressively emptying democratic institutions of their content," and that "key aspects of the new dispensation are strong reminiscent of fascism".   Citing a "rise in xenophobia to a level comparable to that found among Germans in the years preceding Nazism, and the growing public admiration for Stalin," Hassner lays the foundation for his critique of Russia's move towards autocracy.  He comments that "Putin helps to inspire a 'fortress' mentality in Russia, and gives himself a pretext for branding any domestic opposition as treason and for calling upon everyone to rally behind the leader".  This power has enabled Putin to convince the people of Russia that the West is working together in "a great conspiracy against Russia".  With a renewed sense of nationalism, Russians have placed their support behind this strong leader and a government which at a quick glance resembles a democracy, but on second look, is covered in signs of fascism.  While many Russian liberals defend the legitimacy of its democracy, it is impossible to deny that under Putin, there has been a "hardening against the domestic opposition, the freedom of the press, and any democratic life inside Russia" and that there is a "growing hostility towards Russia's neighbors" to say the least.    

While his critique and predictions are very interesting, I found one statement to stand out above all of the rest, and is thus, what I will examine in more depth and analyze in the context of recent events and speeches.  In this article, Hassner explains that Putin has "chosen to designate a virtual president for a virtual democracy, while keeping real power himself".  After reading this piece, I am left wondering the extent to which Dmitri Medvedev is a puppet of Putin designated to bolster Russia's image as a democracy.  Right before being named as Putin's hand-picked successor, Medvedev gave a speech in which he contended that "Russia is a country of legal nihilism at a level...that no European country can boast of" and that "Corruption in the official structures has a huge scale and the fight against it should become a national program"1.  In the same speech, Medvedev said "We should continue to openly and clearly explain our actions and plans in the economic, social sphere and politics, and find more allies in the world....Russia in the future will continue developing as a nation open for dialogue and cooperation with the international community"2.  In recent months, Medvedev has been a strong proponent of opening talks with the European Union, citing similarities in values and national goals as a foundation for a hopeful strong future relationship.  Along with Medvedev's constant rhetoric centered on the fight against corruption and promotion of justice, I have found the appointment of the new Minister of Justice as yet another sign of the bolstering of Russia's "virtual democracy".  The new minister is known as a proponent of democracy, and many have determine that the extent of power he holds and will hold over the course of Medvedev's presidency is a solid indicator of the actual change in the fight against corruption and the defending of democracy.  

The interesting challenge is determining the equilibrium of power in Russia--a task which involves comparing Russia's recent actions in Georgia with Medvedev's democratic supportive rhetoric and desire for a strong partnership with the European Union, while always being weary of Putin's overarching power.  While Hassner asserts that Russia is on a course towards autocracy, it is nevertheless interesting to watch the evolution of Medvedev's influence and power.  Will Medvedev eclipse Putin?  Will Medvedev remain loyal and act as Putin's puppet?  Will Putin return to the presidency in a final move to consolidate power?  These are only a few questions, and the answer to each question brings forth an entire different direction for Russia--a movement towards the Russia of old or perhaps even more frightening, towards a new undefined and unknown Russia.

1 and 2. www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/22/europe/EU-POL-Russia-Medvedev.php