Final answer:
Russia is considered an illiberal democracy due to its history of autocracy, limitations on civil liberties, centralized political power, and a partial facade of democracy without full adherence to democratic principles such as individual rights and freedoms. Since the late nineteenth century and throughout President Putin's term, the state has exerted strong control, infringing on principles of a liberal democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Russia is considered an illiberal democracy because while it maintains the outward appearance of a democratic system with elections and some level of federal structure, it lacks the substance of liberalism, referring to the protection of individual rights and freedoms. From its historical context with the late Tsarist regime to the current Russian political climate, which has seen a strengthening of central authority and constraints on civil liberties under President Vladimir Putin, Russia displays characteristics akin to its authoritarian past. Fareed Zakaria identifies the rise of illiberal democracies as nations that have electoral democracy but fall short of upholding democratic principles such as the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the separation of powers.
The historical roots of Russia's authoritarian tendencies date back to the autocratic rule of the Tsars and Soviet-era policies. During the late nineteenth century, the Russian Orthodox Church preached obedience to the Tsar, and intellectual dissent was harshly punished. Post-Soviet Russia experienced a brief period of democratization, but with the economic reforms and under President Putin, the state has reasserted strong control over political and economic spheres, often at the expense of civil liberties.
Even with some economic growth and modernization, especially evident under Putin's presidency, the nation's political system has not fully transitioned to a liberal democracy. Instead, the government exerts significant authoritarian influence over domains that would, in liberal democracies, be subject to more public accountability and freedom. This has implications for Russia's ability to compete on a global scale and integrate with entities like the European Union.