Global Studies II

Unit II Russia

Name Natalie Seaner

Date 11-17-14
Russian Democracy Has Disappeared?
- Clifford J. Levy, New York Times

Directions: After reading the article mentioned above, answer the questions below. Please
answer in complete sentence format.
1. What is human rights? According t o the author, identify human rights issues the
current political regime in Russia have violated.
Mikhail Beketov was a newspaper editor in Moscow. He wrote about land deals, crooked loans and
under-the-table hush money. Beketov was beaten outside his home and left to bleed in the snow.
He was speaking his mind and got punished for it.
2. Identify political corruption issues Mr. Levy identifies in Russia today.
Dubious land deals, crooked loans, and under-the-table hush money.
3. How does Mr. Gorbechev, the previous Russian premier, feel about the current leaders?
Why does he feel this way?
Gorbechev believes that the country has become less free. He states that Putin is undermining
Russia fledgling democracy by crippling opposition forces.
4. The caption for the picture on page one is titled, Batman and Robin. Explain this
caption.
Putin had his friend Medvedev appointed as prime minister so that after Putins first term was up,
Medvedev could become president and not change any of Putins laws. After Medvedev, Putin
became president again, which is what he wanted. Putin is portrayed as Batman and Medvedev as
Robin because Putin is telling Medvedev what to do.

5. According to the author [and Mr. Gorbechev, democracy begins with: Elections,
accountability and turnover.
6. In addition to the aspects of democracy identified above, which other key ingredient is
Necessary for a democracy? According to the author, how does Russia meet this
ingredient? Back up your answer with facts.
Another component is respect for the rule of law. Russia is accused of manipulating this to better
serve its government. For example, critics of the Kremlin are routinely denied permission for
rallies and the police detain anyone attending unauthorized demonstrations. Mikhail Khodorkovsky,

the leader of Yukos Oil was put in jail on puffed up charges after offering support to opposition
political parties.

7. Identify two cases the author identifies where the Russian government has failed the
Democratic test.
The case of Mikhail Khordorkovsky and the fact that the electoral system in Russia is practically
rigged.

Bibliography:
"Vladimir Putin: Russia's Once and Future President." The Week. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.