The Drift Watch

Russia – Vladimir Putin

Russia under Vladimir Putin has evolved from a flawed post-Soviet democracy in the 1990s into a centralized authoritarian state where democratic institutions exist largely as formalities. Since assuming the presidency in 2000, Putin has progressively dismantled electoral competitiveness, neutralized opposition, and consolidated control over the judiciary, media, military, and civil society.

While elections still occur, they are manipulated through systemic repression, propaganda, and procedural barriers. Over two decades, Russia has become a model of managed democracy — a system that simulates democratic processes but delivers predetermined outcomes.

Putin’s governance serves as a contemporary blueprint for soft authoritarianism: preserve the appearance of legality, but render power change impossible.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 2000: Vladimir Putin elected president, promising order after the chaos of the 1990s.
  • 2004: Presidential term limits extended; direct gubernatorial elections eliminated.
  • 2006: “Foreign agent” law passed, restricting NGO activity and foreign media.
  • 2012: After switching roles with Prime Minister Medvedev, Putin returns to presidency and suppresses protests after disputed elections.
  • 2014: Annexation of Crimea marks rise in militarized nationalism; independent press and opposition figures increasingly targeted.
  • 2020: Constitutional amendments allow Putin to remain in power until 2036.
  • 2022: (Ongoing) Full-scale invasion of Ukraine used to justify martial rhetoric, censorship laws, and internal repression.


Methods of Democratic Erosion

  • Media Suppression

    Government or ruling party control over broadcast, print, and digital media to shape public narrative and suppress dissent.

  • Judicial Subordination

    Undermining judicial independence by appointing loyal judges or purging dissenting ones.

  • Disinformation and Propaganda

    Systematic use of false or misleading information to distort public perception, confuse opposition, or justify authoritarian measures.

  • Electoral Manipulation

    Interference with democratic elections through voter suppression, gerrymandering, or control over electoral commissions.

  • Civil Society Suppression

    The deliberate weakening or restriction of independent civic groups, nonprofits, unions, and grassroots organizations that hold power to account or mobilize public dissent.

Impact on Institutions

  • Elections: Converted into performative events with preordained outcomes.
  • Judiciary: Re-engineered to provide legal cover for repression.
  • Media: Transformed into a disinformation engine serving state narratives.
  • Legislature: The Duma functions as a ceremonial body rubber-stamping Kremlin policy.
  • Civil Society: Independent thought in arts, education, and advocacy has been suffocated.

References

Shevtsova, Lilia. Putin’s Russia. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2005.



Freedom House, Nations in Transit: Russia (https://freedomhouse.org/report/nations-transit/2021/russia)


Lipman, Masha. “How Putin Silences Dissent.” Foreign Affairs, July 2016.


The Atlantic, The Autocrat’s Playbook: Putin’s War on Truth (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2022/04/putin-media-propaganda-disinformation/629638/)


Human Rights Watch, Russia: Crackdown on Civil Society, 2021 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/06/29/russia-crackdown-civil-society)

Applebaum, Anne. Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. Doubleday, 2020.


PBS Frontline, Putin’s Way (Documentary, 2015)