... being perceived in a negative light.
Continuing our exploration of the constituent components of sovereignty, we should talk about another equally important element, one often mentioned by the constructivists – namely, sovereignty as a reflection of legitimacy. Many constructivist researchers pay great attention to the significance of national identity, “ontological security” and the sociocultural foundations for legitimization in the establishment and functioning of sovereignty.
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The key ...
... real dictatorships, thousands or even tens of thousands disappear, and are tortured or killed. Criticism of the regime can be picked up by the secret police and can lead to the worst of consequences.
This bears no relationship to the regime over which Vladimir Putin presides in Russia. In addition to the aspects of life Daniil mentions, there are other features that distinguish Putin’s Russia from real dictatorships. Daniil doesn’t have to have the slightest worry about making critical ...
... regimes can survive in the long run only if they are supported by society, or at least if there is not sufficient support for resistance.
Has there been a rollback of democracy in Russia? Was Boris Yeltsin more of a democrat than Mikhail Gorbachev or Vladimir Putin? In 1993, Yeltsin illegally dissolved the Supreme Soviet, and shelled the Russian White House, resulting in the deaths of 187 people. He unconstitutionally scrapped the existing constitution, and temporarily banned political opposition....