Domination, Power and Authority in Russia: Basic Characteristics and Forms

Abstract

Three sets of concepts – domination, configuration of power forms, and effectiveness of power – are used to depict the nature of the political regime in modern Russia. The administrative class is the dominant actor in contemporary Russian society; it has the power to control political processes and to use the state as an effective instrument of its domination. The configuration of power forms corresponds to the bureaucratic nature of domination. The limited role of legal authority is replaced by, or subordinated to, various forms of manipulation, coercion and force. The state at present under Putin is much more effective, coherent and powerful than it was under Yeltsin. However, it reproduces power over – bureaucratic domination – which has not yet become power to – an instrument of effective government for the benefit of the people.