How nationalism and machine politics mix in Russia
Journal: Edinburgh University Press eBooks
Year: 2016

Abstract This chapter discusses the relationship between regime type, popular support and nationalism in Russia. It describes the political system as ‘patronal presidentialism’. This term refers to a constitutionally strong presidency that exists in a social context where political collective action unfolds primarily through extensive networks of personal acquaintances. Even when such presidents use manipulation, coercion, and fraud to win elections, they run significant risks of losing power if