In 2018 China has approved the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency, effectively allowing Xi Jinping to stay in power for life. In 2020 Vladimir Putin wins a referendum to stay in power at least until 2036. These two headlines show that there are similar evolutions in China and Russia concerning their political systems. This is not the only similarity: We often hear from violations of the human rights such as the freedom of speech or of the press in China and Russia and they are both classified as authoritarian regimes in international rankings. In addition, both have a communist past which influenced their political regimes of today.
The question which arises is therefore: To what extend can we compare the political regimes and societal structures both of China and Russia?
As we wonder what similarities and what differences we encounter in both states it is important to define two terms: a) political regime and b) authoritarian tendencies. A political regime or system is a set of legal institutions with formal norms written down in the constitution and some form of government. By authoritarian tendencies we mean that the political regime tends towards an authoritarian rule. Authoritarian rule can be defined as the concentration of power in the hands of a leader that is not responsible to the parliament and that no opposition is allowed to compete for power.
To answer the key question of how comparable the political regimes of China and Russia are the Different constitutional structures as fundament of the regimes (I) and the Authoritarian tendencies with a power monopoly around the President (II) will be examined in both countries.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I) Different constitutional structures as fundament of the regimes
A) Two political systems and their connection to the economy
B) The principle of a “Constitutional state”
II) Authoritarian tendencies with a power monopoly around the President
A) Incorporation of power by the Presidents
B) Similar instruments to assure the power monopoly
Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the extent to which the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia can be compared, specifically analyzing their constitutional frameworks and the emergence of authoritarian tendencies.
- Constitutional differences and economic systems
- The application of "Constitutional state" principles
- Concentration of power around national leadership
- Methods of maintaining power monopolies
- Role of mass media and censorship in authoritarian rule
Excerpt from the Book
B) The principle of a “Constitutional state”
We will now go more into detail by studying if and how the principle of a “Constitutional state” is respected in China and Russia and see that there are various differences also in this regard. The principle of a “constitutional state” is the basis for today’s democratic states which is why it is interesting to compare the respect of this principle in China and Russia. A “constitutional state” can be defined as the following: A state where law rules over politics and the hierarchy of standards, separation of power and fundamental human rights are respected.
Concerning the hierarchy of standards, it is important that the highest entity in national law is the Constitution and the constitutionality of (new) laws must be controlled. In China there is no Constitutional Court as according to Article 132 “The Supreme People’s Court is the highest adjudicatory organ”. We can therefore assume that there is low or even no respect of the hierarchy of standards. Russia, however, has a Constitutional Court and calls itself a “law bound state” in the first article of its Constitution. The hierarchy of standards is therefore, theoretically, respected.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the recent developments regarding presidential term limits in China and Russia and establishes the research focus on authoritarian tendencies within both political systems.
I) Different constitutional structures as fundament of the regimes: Analyzes the constitutional and administrative differences between the two states, focusing on their distinct political ideologies and economic structures.
II) Authoritarian tendencies with a power monopoly around the President: Examines the concentration of power in the hands of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin and the specific instruments utilized to maintain their respective power monopolies.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, noting that while constitutional frameworks differ, the political realities exhibit significant similarities in authoritarian practice, leaving the future trajectory of these regimes open to debate.
Keywords
China, Russia, Authoritarianism, Political Regime, Constitution, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Power Monopoly, Human Rights, Constitutional State, Separation of Power, Mass Media, Censorship, Comparative Politics, Presidential Power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the comparability of the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia, highlighting both constitutional differences and shared authoritarian characteristics.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The main themes include constitutional frameworks, economic ideologies, the separation of power, and the mechanisms used by leaders to consolidate and maintain authority.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine to what extent China and Russia can be compared by evaluating their official legal structures against their actual political practices.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a comparative analysis approach, examining official state constitutions, international political rankings, and contemporary news reporting on political events in both nations.
What content is addressed in the main chapters?
The main chapters cover the structural differences in political systems, the application of "Constitutional state" principles, the incorporation of power by the respective Presidents, and the similar instruments used to ensure power continuity.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include authoritarianism, presidential power, comparative politics, and institutional control in China and Russia.
How does the author define a "Constitutional state"?
The author defines it as a state where law rules over politics, and where the hierarchy of standards, separation of power, and fundamental human rights are upheld.
How do the Presidents of China and Russia influence the judiciary?
In China, the President exerts influence through control of the National People’s Congress; in Russia, the President proposes nominations for the Constitutional Court, effectively weakening the separation of powers in both cases.
- Quote paper
- Johanna Schuler (Author), 2020, To what extend can we compare the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/957984
