Final answer:
Russia is an authoritarian regime due to centralized power despite having democratic institutions, and the shift back to authoritarianism after the Cold War was primarily due to political instability, not influence from Western democracies or economic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Russia is considered an authoritarian regime despite having democratic institutions largely due to centralized power and control.
After the Cold War, Russia and other former Soviet republics encountered significant political instability. The transition from the old Soviet Union's socialist policies to new democratic systems was marred by high levels of authoritarian rule and corruption. While nearly all these nations embraced democratic constitutions, the practice of democratic principles was another matter. In Russia, centralized power was re-established, democratic norms were eroded, and President Vladimir Putin strengthened his hold over the country, invoking Russian nationalism. Elections that take place may not be free and fair, featuring negative tactics such as media control, opposition restriction, and voting irregularities. Moreover, the dissolution of the Soviet Union into many parts led to various challenges for these new entities in establishing stable governance structures.
The return to authoritarianism in Russia can be seen as a response to the political turbulence in the post-Soviet landscape rather than the influence of Western democracies, economic prosperity, or military defeat.