Margarita Kalika

STEP 1: TOPIC SELECTION

The selection here is not exclusive, but is offered as a starting point towards completing the formal argumentative essay.

JUSTIFICATION FOR TOPIC SELECTION:

TOPIC:

Is Vladimir Putin, under his second term of presidency, aiding in the reconstruction and stability of Russia?

1. Give two reasons why you selected this topic.

1) Russia has always been seen as ‘a great power’ throughout the 1990s on all plains of the political spectrum. I would like to explore whether Russia, under Putin’s leadership, upholds this universal idea or if it is exercising power and control in ways hindering itself both on a global and national front. Another interest is the stream of past Russian political leaders, particularly Lenin and Yeltsin, where much of their policies and regulations were criticised and questioned. Even under Czar Alexander III, the prominent belief was that Russia stands alone with its army and navy. Perhaps the ideologies of these past rulers got Russia’s identity right with Putin simply following along in their footsteps. This is an issue I find intriguing that I would like to explore in more detail.

2) Being Russian born, I find much interest in the double image that Russia has played throughout much of its history, if not all of it. Russia, along with many other things, has immense nuclear power, is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has a colossal amount of natural resources, and has been “a British defender of continental dictators”. Yet with all this, the extent of corruption and demoralization is staggering with the ever-increasing censorship and control Putin has enforced. This includes the mandate to have elected regional governors appointed by the Kremlin. The issue of whether this aids in ensuring national security with the North Caucasus struggle or evokes arbitrary power is ongoing and controversial. I also found the uprising bribery of importance to the future of Russia. This dilemma is best seen relating to the Beslan attack by Islamic militants part of the Caucasian republic of Chechnya where the aggressors claimed to have bribed their way into the internal borders.

2. Based on your initial survey of reference material, what are three important themes or issues pertinent to this topic? Explain the relationship of your topic to World Politics.

1) Russia’s relations on a global level are very significant in addressing and analyzing Putin’s help or hindrance to the state. Russia’s relation with the West, specifically the United States, through globalization and militarization is of immense concern. The post-Cold War relationship between the US and Russia will be further explored through Putin’s paranoia of the West overpowering them through the joining of many East European countries in the NATO pact. In contrast, Putin’s cooperative interaction with the West through foreign agreements is another side of Putin’s regime that requires further analyzing and questioning.

2) Russia’s corruption and internal affairs is another paramount method of determining Putin’s negative or positive influence on Russia. I will look into the Beslan attack and the impact it had on Russia’s political stature and form. I will also look into the Chechen-Dagestani war exploring its effectiveness and morality on Republic Chechnya, and whether Putin’s brutal comebacks are justified in terms of the greater good of Russia. Also the issue of bribery, conscription, and Russia’s attempt at a “Public Chamber” toward a possible hint of democracy will be explored.

3) Putin’s personal leadership and authoritative style is another aspect of my topic that will be analyzed. I will explore:

-Putin’s ability to respond to civil and global threats (specifically his determinative combat nature after the Beslan attack)

-Putin’s spread of “Patriotic Orthodoxy” (“Russia can help Russia”)

-Putin’s rebellion against Liberal Russians and his rejection of a parliamentary republic without the need of a czar or president

3. Name two Books and two Journal Articles that you have consulted about your topic. (Please reference in complete bibliographic format).

"Blood Money." The Economist 377.8449 (2005): 53-54.

"Frozen Out: Two Tales of Civil Society in Russia." The Economist 377.8455 (2005): 47.

"How Are the Mighty Fallen." The Economist 376.8433 (2005): 45-46.

Jack, Andrew. Inside Putin's Russia. Noel Road, London: Granta Books, 2004.

Sakwa, Richard. Putin: Russia's Choice. New Fetter Lane, London: Routledge, 2004.

Starobin, Paul. "The Accidental Autocraft." The Atlantic 295.2 (2005): 82-92.