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 Key Themes
This paper aims to compare the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia. It examines the extent to which similarities and differences exist between these two nations, focusing on their constitutional frameworks and the degree of authoritarianism present in their political systems.
- Comparative analysis of the constitutional structures of China and Russia.
- Examination of the economic systems in both countries and their relationship to their political structures.
- Assessment of the adherence to the principle of a constitutional state in both China and Russia.
- Analysis of the authoritarian tendencies and power structures centered around the presidents of both nations.
- Comparison of the historical influence of communism on the present-day political regimes.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the central research question: to what extent can the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia be compared? It highlights the recent events of Xi Jinping's extended term and Putin's referendum wins as examples of similar evolutions in their political systems. The introduction also notes shared characteristics like human rights violations and authoritarian classifications, further motivating the comparative analysis. The paper outlines its approach, focusing on the examination of constitutional structures and authoritarian tendencies as key points of comparison.
I) Different constitutional structures as fundament of the regimes: This chapter delves into a comparison of the constitutional structures of China and Russia. Section A examines the differences in their political and economic systems, noting China's self-identification as a socialist state and Russia's designation as a democratic federal law-bound state. The differing administrative structures (unitary in China, federal in Russia) and parliamentary structures (unicameral in China, bicameral in Russia) are analyzed. The chapter further explores the composition and power dynamics within their respective legislatures, highlighting the dominant role of the Chinese Communist Party in the National People's Congress. Section B focuses on the application of the principle of a “Constitutional state” in both countries and how this concept differs in practice.
Keywords
China, Russia, political regimes, constitutional structures, authoritarianism, economic systems, comparative politics, constitutional state, power monopoly, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, communism, socialist state, federal state, human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of the Political Regimes of China and Russia
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia. It examines the similarities and differences between these two nations, focusing on their constitutional frameworks and the degree of authoritarianism present in their political systems.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include a comparative analysis of the constitutional structures of China and Russia; an examination of their economic systems and their relationship to political structures; an assessment of adherence to the principle of a constitutional state; an analysis of authoritarian tendencies and power structures centered around the presidents; and a comparison of the historical influence of communism on present-day political regimes.
What are the specific aspects of the constitutional structures that are compared?
The paper compares the different constitutional structures of China and Russia, including their political and economic systems (China as a socialist state, Russia as a democratic federal law-bound state), administrative structures (unitary in China, federal in Russia), and parliamentary structures (unicameral in China, bicameral in Russia). It also analyzes the composition and power dynamics within their respective legislatures, highlighting the dominant role of the Chinese Communist Party.
How does the paper address the concept of a "Constitutional State"?
The paper examines the application of the principle of a "Constitutional state" in both China and Russia, analyzing how this concept differs in practice within each country's unique political context.
What role do the presidents of China and Russia play in the analysis?
The paper analyzes the authoritarian tendencies and power structures centered around the presidents of both nations, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, examining how their actions and policies reflect and shape the political landscape.
What is the significance of the introduction and conclusion?
The introduction establishes the central research question and highlights recent events (Xi Jinping's extended term and Putin's referendum wins) as examples of similar evolutions in their political systems. It also notes shared characteristics like human rights violations and authoritarian classifications. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the comparative analysis.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter comparing the constitutional structures of China and Russia (further divided into sections on political and economic systems and the principle of a constitutional state), and a concluding chapter. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of specific aspects of the political regimes.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include China, Russia, political regimes, constitutional structures, authoritarianism, economic systems, comparative politics, constitutional state, power monopoly, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, communism, socialist state, federal state, and human rights.
What is the overall objective of the study?
The overall objective is to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of the political regimes of China and Russia, shedding light on their similarities and differences regarding constitutional structures, levels of authoritarianism, and the influence of historical factors.
- Citar trabajo
- Johanna Schuler (Autor), 2020, To what extend can we compare the political regimes and societal structures of China and Russia?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/957984
