The revival of Russia’s gubernatorial elections following the mass protests of 2011-2012 may not have promoted democratization, but neither has it proved trouble-free for the Kremlin. In light of the regime’s retrenchment and the crackdown on civil society following Vladimir Putin’s re-election to the presidency in March 2012, it is significant that the regime did not retract its pledge to allow gubernatorial elections. While they are not necessarily competitive, their revival must be understood from the Kremlin’s perspective as a necessary evil that is fraught with unintended consequences. […]
The Unintended Consequences of Russia's Gubernatorial Elections
PONARS Eurasia Policy Memo No. 283
By J. Paul Goode
September 2013
