The majority of publications on the so-called resource curse tend to focus on key characteristics identified by Michael Ross such as modernization, rentier state and repression. This paper is an attempt to identify various other causal mechanisms that contribute to the symbiosis between increasing oil revenues and growing authoritarianism in Russia. With a mixture of various qualitative and quantitative data, the discussion focuses on the causal implications of corruption, freedom of media and pluralistic ownership structure while referring to the ways that they are exploited by Putin government. The conclusion idealizes an alternative approach for the study of resource politics through the case of Russia and provides recommendations for further research.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Defining Russia: Regime & Oil
- The Symbiosis:
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the relationship between oil revenues and the growth of authoritarianism in Russia during the Putin era. It investigates how oil wealth has influenced Russian democracy, challenging the assumption that increased oil revenues hinder democratization.
- The impact of oil revenues on Russian democracy
- The symbiosis between oil revenues and Putin's consolidation of power
- The role of corruption, media freedom, and ownership structure in the oil industry
- The use of oil revenue to fuel authoritarian tendencies
- The alternative approach needed for understanding resource politics in Russia
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by defining Russia as a hybrid state, drawing on concepts of competitive authoritarianism and regime typology. It highlights how Russia's resource curse does not fit neatly into existing frameworks, prompting a focus on other causal mechanisms.
The 'symbiosis' section examines the relationship between oil revenues and Putin's power, illustrating how economic growth fueled by oil has been accompanied by growing authoritarianism. This section explores the role of corruption, media control, and ownership structure in facilitating Putin's consolidation of power.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The core themes and concepts explored in this paper include resource politics, authoritarianism, oil, Russia, corruption, media freedom, and ownership structure.
- Quote paper
- Kaan Akkanat (Author), 2012, Oil and Russia. An Analysis of Resource Politics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/292754
