Russia Watch No. 9

Bulletin 9, Strengthening Democratic Institutions Project, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

Russia Watch

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: Strengthening Democratic Institutions Project

The year 2003 marks the ten-year anniversary of the first popular election for Russia’s federal parliament—the State Duma.  In December 2003, Russians will return to the polls to elect the fourth Duma since the collapse of the Soviet Union.  The ten years between these two events have been both tumultuous and productive, characterized by some colorful moments but also by serious reform efforts.  As Russia gears up for the 2003 Duma elections and the 2004 federal elections all eyes will be focused on Russia’s political parties, who have come to play a key role in the electoral process and the development of democracy in Russia.

This issue of Russia Watch examines the role of political parties in Russian democracy, featuring commentary and analysis from representatives of leading Russian political parties, as well as Russian and American experts on the party-building process, including:

• “Political Organizations and the Development of Democracy in Russia,” by Yury Medvedev, Unified Russia Party
• “Government and Opposition in Russia,” by Viktor Peshkov, Communist Party of the Russian Federation
• “Un-Managing Democracy,” by Grigory Yavlinsky, Democratic Party Yabloko
• “Bazaar Politics: Prospects for Parties in Russia,” by Henry Hale, Indiana University
• “Increasing Opportunities Through Cooperation,” by Curt Weldon, United States Congress

We invite readers to submit comments to Russia Watch editor Danielle Lussier.

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Document Length: 20 pp.