Putinisation

Last updated

Putinisation, a term popularised by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, is a perceived movement away from liberal democracy in certain Eastern European countries in imitation of the regime of Vladimir Putin in Russia. The process of reforming from an authoritarian rule to a liberal democracy is known as deputinisation. [1]

Contents

Background

Poland

In January 2016, Schulz used the term to characterise the Constitutional Court crisis then engulfing Poland, warning of a "dangerous Putinisation of European politics". [2] This referred to actions by the ruling Polish Law and Justice (PiS) attempts to change the makeup and voting rules of the Constitutional Court. Protesters against the reforms carried banners reading “We say no to being Putinized!” [3] The BBC's Newsnight programme subsequently broadcast a segment asking 'Is Poland being Putinised?' which drew complaints from the Polish Foreign Ministry. [4] The claims of "Putinisation" in Poland has been controversial, unlike other right-wing populist parties in Europe, the PiS have longtime of anti-Russian policy stances.

Beyond Poland

The term has also been used to describe the national populist regime of Hungary's Viktor Orbán [5] [6] and the attempts by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to increase the power of the presidency. [7] It has also been applied to an "intensifying campaign" against human rights organisations in Israel by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. [8]

The Georgian Human Rights Centre has complained of the "Putinization" of media outlets in Georgia in the mid 2000s. [9]

Piotr Pietrzak uses the term "Putinization" to describe the phenomenon of the spread of authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy in countries influenced by Russian foreign policy. He argues that Putinization is a deliberate strategy employed by Russia to expand its sphere of influence and undermine democratic norms and institutions in other countries. [10]

In his analysis, Pietrzak identifies several tactics used by Russia to promote Putinization, including the spread of disinformation and propaganda, the use of economic pressure and influence, and support for anti-democratic forces and leaders.

This work on Putinization highlights the ongoing challenges facing democracy and human rights in the international community. By examining the strategies and tactics used by authoritarian regimes to undermine democratic institutions, he provides important insights into the current state of international relations and the challenges facing those working to promote democracy and human rights. [11]

Deputinisation

Russia

Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the concept of deputinising Russia has become more recognised and advocated for. Specifically, it entails putting an end to Putin's political influence completely, demilitarising Russia, and reducing the power of Russian oligarchs. [1] [12] Petro Poroshenko, the former president of Ukraine, has called for the world to "stop Russian exports not only in the EU, UK, and US, but also in other nations." [13]

Beyond Russia

Latvian minister Artis Pabriks has suggested that all of Europe must deputinise to "break free from Russia's influence," beginning with Ukraine joining the European Union. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vladimir Putin</span> President of Russia (1999–2008, 2012–present)

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who is the president of Russia. Putin has held continuous positions as president or prime minister since 1999: as prime minister from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012, and as president from 2000 to 2008 and since 2012. He is the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since Joseph Stalin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Politics of Belarus</span>

The politics of Belarus takes place in a framework of a presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. The President of Belarus is the head of state. Executive power is nominally exercised by the government, at its top sits a ceremonial prime minister, appointed directly by the President. Legislative power is de jure vested in the bicameral parliament, the National Assembly, however the president may enact decrees that are executed the same way as laws, for undisputed time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colour revolution</span> Series of non-violent protests and political campaigns in the former Soviet Union

The colour revolutions were a series of often non-violent protests and accompanying changes of government and society that took place in post-Soviet states and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the early 21st century. The aim of the colour revolutions was to establish Western-style liberal democracies. They were primarily triggered by election results widely viewed as falsified. The colour revolutions were marked by the usage of the internet as a method of communication, as well as a strong role of non-governmental organizations in the protests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russia–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

Russia–European Union relations are the international relations between the European Union (EU) and Russia. Russia borders five EU member states: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland; the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is surrounded by EU members. Until the radical breakdown of relations following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU was Russia's largest trading partner and Russia had a significant role in the European energy sector. Due to the invasion, relations became very tense after the European Union imposed sanctions against Russia. Russia placed all member states of the European Union on a list of "unfriendly countries", along with NATO members, Switzerland, Ukraine, and several Asia-Pacific countries.

Guided democracy, also called directed democracy and managed democracy, is a formally democratic government that functions as a de facto authoritarian government or, in some cases, as an autocratic government. Such hybrid regimes are legitimized by elections, but do not change the state's policies, motives, and goals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poland–Russia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Poland–Russia relations have a long and often turbulent history, dating to the late Middle Ages. Over centuries, there have been several Polish–Russian Wars, with Poland once occupying Moscow and later Russia controlling much of Poland in the 19th as well as in the 20th century, leading to strained relations and multiple Polish attempts at re-acquiring independence. Polish–Russian relations entered a new phase following the fall of communism, with relations warming under Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev and later Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Relations began worsening considerably as a result of the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, and later the 2014 annexation of Crimea and especially the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Relations between the Polish and Russian governments have become extremely unfriendly, and according to a 2022 poll, only 2% of Poles view Russia positively, the lowest number in the world among countries polled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Partnership</span> EU project with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine

The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is a joint initiative of the European Union, together with its member states, and six Eastern European countries. The EaP framework governs the EU's relationship with the post-Soviet states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The EaP is intended to provide a forum for discussions regarding trade, economic strategy, travel agreements, and other issues between the EU and its Eastern European neighbours. It also aims at building a common area of shared values of democracy, prosperity, stability, and increased cooperation. The project was initiated by Poland and a subsequent proposal was prepared in co-operation with Sweden. It was presented by the foreign ministers of Poland and Sweden at the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 26 May 2008. The Eastern Partnership was inaugurated by the EU in Prague, Czech Republic on 7 May 2009.

The foreign policy of Vladimir Putin concerns the policies of the Russian Federation's president Vladimir Putin with respect to other nations. He has held the office of the President previously from 2000 to 2008, and reassumed power again in 2012 and has been President since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Ribbon Day</span> International day of remembrance

The Black Ribbon Day, officially known in the European Union as the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism and also referred to as the Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, is an international day of remembrance for victims of totalitarianism regimes, specifically Stalinist, communist, Nazi and fascist regimes. Formally recognised by the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and some other countries, it is observed on 23 August. It symbolises the rejection of "extremism, intolerance and oppression" according to the European Union. The purpose of the Day of Remembrance is to preserve the memory of the victims of mass deportations and exterminations, while promoting democratic values to reinforce peace and stability in Europe. It is one of the two official remembrance days or observances of the European Union, alongside Europe Day. Under the name Black Ribbon Day it is an official remembrance day of Canada. The European Union has used both names alongside each other.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belarusian opposition</span> Democratic political movement in the Republic of Belarus

The Belarusian opposition consists of groups and individuals in Belarus seeking to challenge, from 1988 to 1991, the authorities of Soviet Belarus, and since 1995, the leader of the country Alexander Lukashenko, whom supporters of the movement often consider to be a dictator. Supporters of the movement tend to call for a parliamentary democracy based on a Western model, with freedom of speech and political and religious pluralism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgian Dream</span> Georgian political party

Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia also colloquially known as the Kotsebi is a Pro-Russian political party in Georgia. It is currently the ruling party in Georgia. The current party chair is Irakli Garibashvili, while founder Bidzina Ivanishvili is the Honorary Chairman. Former party chair Irakli Kobakhidze has been Prime Minister since February 2024.

Media portrayals of the Russo-Ukrainian War, including skirmishes in eastern Donbas and the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after the Euromaidan protests, the subsequent 2014 annexation of Crimea, incursions into Donbas, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have differed widely between Ukrainian, Western and Russian media. Russian, Ukrainian, and Western media have all, to various degrees, been accused of propagandizing, and of waging an information war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Left Together</span> Polish political party

Left Together is a left-wing political party in Poland.

Russia was a member of the Council of Europe, an international organization that focuses on the promotion of democracy and human rights, from 1996 to 2022. At the time of its accession, Russia did not meet the requirements of membership, but it was believed that joining would help Russia improve its record on democracy and human rights protection. In a 2019 paper published in the International & Comparative Law Quarterly, international law scholars Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou and Donal K Coffey described Russia as showing "persistent and clear disregard of the values and aims of the CoE", including occupying other member states, sponsoring separatist movements, and ignoring judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. During its membership, Russia was suspended from voting rights on multiple occasions. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on 16 March the Committee of Ministers voted to expel Russia from the council with immediate effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Georgian parliamentary election</span>

Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government and intergovernmental reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine</span>

The Russian invasion of Ukraine received widespread international condemnation, leading to new sanctions being imposed on Russia, which triggered a Russian financial crisis. Reactions among governments have most often been negative, with criticism and condemnation, particularly in Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruscism</span> Term describing Russian political ideology

Ruscism is a neologism and derogatory term used by a number of scholars, politicians and publicists to describe the political ideology and the social practices of the Russian state in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially during the rule of Vladimir Putin. It is also used in reference to the ideology of Russian military expansionism, and has been used as a label to describe an undemocratic system and nationality cult mixed with ultranationalism and a cult of personality. That transformation was described as based on the ideas of the "special civilizational mission" of the Russians, such as Moscow as the third Rome and expansionism, which manifests itself in anti-Westernism and supports regaining former lands by conquest. Ukrainian officials and media often use 'Rashist' to broadly refer to members and backers of the Russian Armed Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Criminal Court investigation in Ukraine</span> Ongoing investigation opened in 2022

The International Criminal Court investigation in Ukraine or the Situation in Ukraine is an ongoing investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into "any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person" during the period starting "from 21 November 2013 onwards", on an "open-ended basis", covering the Revolution of Dignity, the Russo-Ukrainian War including the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, the war in Donbas and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ICC prosecutor commenced these investigations on 2 March 2022, after receiving referrals for the situation in Ukraine from 39 ICC State Parties.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in late February 2022, more than 300,000 Russian citizens and residents are estimated to have left Russia by mid-March 2022, at least 500,000 by the end of August 2022, and an additional 400,000 by early October, for a total of approximately 900,000. This number includes economic migrants, conscientious objectors, and some political refugees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine</span> International approval or condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War which began in 2014. The invasion caused Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II, with more than 8.2 million Ukrainians fleeing the country and a third of the population displaced. The invasion also caused global food shortages. Reactions to the invasion have varied considerably across a broad spectrum of concerns including public reaction, media responses, and peace efforts.

References

  1. 1 2 Motyl, Alexander (May 16, 2021). "Russia's coming deputinization". Facts & Arts. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  2. ↑ Cendrowicz, Leo (January 17, 2016). "Polish leaders defend reforms as EU warns of 'dangerous Putinisation of European politics'". The Independent. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Demonstrations take place across Poland against "Putinization"". The Budapest Beacon. January 24, 2016. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  4. ↑ Jackson, Jasper (February 10, 2016). "Poland protests against BBC 'Putinisation' report". The Guardian. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  5. ↑ "The Putinization of Hungary". The Washington Post . December 26, 2010. Archived from the original on January 19, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  6. ↑ Willy, Craig (January 18, 2016). "Towards a Putinisation of Central Europe?". EU Observer. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  7. ↑ Sevalneva, Maria (18 June 2015). "Why the "Putinization" of Turkey Has Failed". Institute of Modern Russia. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  8. ↑ Shatz, Adam (February 18, 2016). "Israel's Putinisation". London Review of Books. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  9. ↑ Kevanishvili, Eka; Papuashvili, Simon (2008). Daniëls, Wieteke; Nanuashvili, Ucha (eds.). "Putinization of Georgia: Georgian Media after the Rose Revolution" (PDF). HumanRights.ge. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 13, 2008. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  10. ↑ Pietrzak, Piotr. (2022) "The Putinization of the situation of women and children during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine" In Statu Nascendi https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Piotr-Pietrzak-7/publication/367964656_The_Putinization_of_the_situation_of_women_and_children_during_the_2022_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine/links/63db5dc462d2a24f92e9f10e/The-Putinization-of-the-situation-of-women-and-children-during-the-2022-Russian-invasion-of-Ukraine.pdf
  11. ↑ Pietrzak, Piotr (2022). "The international community’s response to the Putinization of the situation in Ukraine" https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2022/12/22/the-international-communitys-response-to-the-putinization-of-the-situation-in-ukraine/
  12. ↑ Przywara, Karol; Kowal, Paweł (March 1, 2022). "De-Putinisation. The politics of justice". New Eastern Europe. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  13. ↑ Patrick, Holly (May 6, 2022). "Former Ukrainian president calls for 'de-Putinisation' of Russia". Independent.co.uk . Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  14. ↑ Ogres (March 22, 2022). "Latvian minister: Europe should implement «deputinisation»". Ogres Ziņas. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.