Her book with the best articles of recent years for the media is an example of a successful combination of theoretical knowledge, witty journalistic style and a sober outlook on life. A coherent statement about the current political state of affairs in Russia and possible prospects.
In the combination of different texts you wrote for the media, something unexpected was revealed?
It is clear that the main section turned out to be devoted to hybrid political regimes, where elements of democracy and authoritarianism are combined (as we have now) – this is my favorite topic of recent times. The second, the subject of my direct scientific competence, is the legislative process, new laws, parliamentarism. Unexpectedly, a lot of the collection turned out to be about political participation: about public organizations, civic activism and nationalism. It is flattering to see that time generally confirms my assessments: the public demand for ethnic nationalism in our country is not as great as it is commonly thought: imperial rhetoric is more popular than nationalist.
Do you see reason for optimism?
It depends on which scenario is optimistic for you. There are no grounds for a new revolution, mass violence or territorial disintegration. One of the main reasons here is demographic: if the main age stratum in a society is “45+” and older, then this is clearly not a society of revolutionaries. Alas, this is not a development society. So the main danger is not mass violence, but stagnation and degradation.
Salvation – in civic activity?
The main obstacle to any joint action is the lack of a sense of basic security. Society as a whole does not have this feeling, and not without reason, instead of a healthy feeling “everything will work out, and if something happens, they will help,” people have an experiential conviction “it will be bad, but they will make it even worse.” But at the same time, unification is also the only cure for feelings of insecurity. Therefore, we see the flowering of NGOs and charitable organizations, the work in which gives both a sense of belonging to the important, a sense of self-worth, and a desire to interact more. Strengthening the social fabric is the most valuable thing that is happening in our country right now.
“Practical Political Science: A Guide to Contact with Reality”, Ridero, 144 p.