Publication

The paper dwells on the reasons of anti-Kremlin protests in Russia indicating a resurgence in political activity by the Russian people and the arousal of hopes for the modernization of the country. It is argued that a continuation of Vladimir Putin's policies based on limited political pluralism and a leading role for the state in the economy could lead to even greater social unrest. Thus, EU countries should persuade Russia’s authorities that the democratization of their political system has positive aspects for both society and the ruling elite.