Discourse on democratisation by Russian and Chinese political elites

Abstract

This article seeks to examine and compare the parameters of discourse of contemporary Russian and Chinese political elites regarding democracy. It focuses on the question of the extent to which Russian and Chinese political elites have acknowledged the validity of constructs of Western liberal democracy. I argue that democracy is conceived instrumentally as a means to economic modernisation. The central dilemma facing both leaderships has been how to adapt elements of the liberal democratic model, while ensuring the maintenance of vertical political controls.