“Top” and “bottom” of the political space: structural peculiarities in the Russian politics

Abstract

The author makes an attempt to deconstruct political space on the example of modern Russia. The object of this research is the political space of modern Russia as one political whole. The subject of this research is the disposition of “top” and “bottom” in the political space of modern Russia. Albeit a unified whole, the political space in fact is a sum of contradictory and balancing oppositions. The presence of power enhances social conflict, and actualizes political process. The author proves this thesis, referring to numerous examples from the Russian politics. The main conclusion lies in giving a new perspective on the political space as highly hierarchical. The political space is regulated from the top, which suggests the presence of specific rules of the game therein. Such rules establish the resource disposition of the political actors. The government becomes detached from society more and more. Political space in Russia has its clear “top” and “bottom”. The formation of “top” and “bottom” has historical and cultural grounds, which are used by the government to justify their supreme position. Legitimation of power suggest approval of the already existing hierarchy of power. The scientific novelty lies in viewing the political process in modern Russia through the prism of “top” and “bottom”, which are in the irreconcilable conflict.