Risks and constraints of political modernisation in Russia: The federal problem

This article discusses the political risks and constraints associated with democratic reforms (currently labelled in Russia as political modernisation), which arise due to Russia's size, diversity of social, political and economic conditions and, most importantly, its federal constitutional structure. We argue that the two principles, democracy and federalism, are dissonant during the period of democratic transition and consolidation, and, therefore, we should expect transition to democracy in Russia to be particularly protracted, difficult and volatile.