Question

What makes Russia have an authoritarian government?

Answer 1

Russia has an authoritarian government due to its historical social structure and autocratic rule. Factors such as the oppression of the serfs, the close tie between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Tsar's authority, and the criminalization of political discussion all contributed to the lack of political change. Furthermore, Russia's preference for autocratic or oligarchic rule during times of socio-economic change further reinforces its authoritarian government.

Step-by-step explanation:

Russia has had an authoritarian government primarily due to its historical social structure and autocratic rule. During the nineteenth century, the majority of the Russian population, particularly the serfs, were among the poorest and most oppressed in Europe. The Russian Orthodox Church also preached total obedience to the authority of the Tsar. Political discussion or advocating for reform was considered a punishable crime, which led to a lack of political change and a strong central authority.

In addition, Russia's preference for autocratic or oligarchic rule with a politically weak nominal autocrat during times of rapid socio-economic change further reinforced its authoritarian government. The perception and acceptance of a strong, authoritarian figure to lead also rooted from the Soviet era. Overall, these historical and societal factors have contributed to Russia's authoritarian government.

Answer 2

The authoritarian tendencies in contemporary Russian society are a

regrettable reality. The assertion that an authoritarian government only can

lead the country out of the current crisis has become a general fashion

nowadays.

This notion is widely spread among the ruling elite, zealously searching

an autocratic leader. Altogether, the inclination to the authoritarianism is more

and more actively being revealed by diverse social groups. They, having

recently rejected the authoritarian values, much evidently show the readiness

for the ideological legitimization of authoritarianism.

This circumstance makes actual the thorough study of the

phenomenon, its peculiarities, prospects and dangers in today’s Russian

context.

In the paper presented, a few most important tendencies linked with the

authoritarian views dissemination are examined and the threats are shown that

jeopardize weak, not well-established Russian democratic institutions and

procedures.

The following conclusions might be drawn out of the research paper.

The threat of authoritarianism is high in Russia. The strengthening of

authoritarian tendencies in the country has given rise not by historically

preconditioned reasons, but by today’s current situation, i.e., the deep

economic, social, political and ideological crisis.

Though, there are some actual factors able to counteract the

consolidation of the authoritarian orders. The real perspective of the

systematic crisis further aggravation does not allow to exclude any variants of

development.

Nevertheless, the present onslaught of authoritarianism seems not to be

the result of a certain fateful predetermination.

Russia stands in need of strong democracy capable of resisting

authoritarianism, taking the country out of crisis and safeguarding it’s

citizens’ security and prosperity.

The possibilities for this type of democracy exist. The question is how

they will be used by society.