Russia's loyal parties lose direction by backing war

Abstract

Significance Each of these three 'loyal opposition' parties is competing to be seen as the most patriotic. Their support for the war has diminished their ability to channel nationalist and leftist dissent in a manageable way, and it brought them little advantage in September's regional elections. Impacts The policy positions of the tame opposition parties are increasingly becoming indistinguishable. The quasi-opposition's symbiosis with the Kremlin means that it will not benefit from any decline in government stability. Leadership and generational change create serious challenges for the Liberal Democrats and possibly the Communists.