Global Studies II

Unit II Russia

Name ______________________________
Date ____________
Russian Democracy Has Disappeared?
- Clifford J. Levy, New York Times

Directions: After reading the article mentioned above, answer the questions below. Please
answer in complete sentence format.
1. What is human rights? According t o the author, identify human rights issues the current
political regime in Russia have violated. Human rights are rights that are believed to belong
justifiably to every person. Russia has violated the human rights of election which were abolished
and freedom of press. For example, they violated freedom of press by beating Mikhail Beketov, a
former editor for the Russian newspaper, Khimkinskaya Pravda. A group of people beat him for the
newspaper and the editor would never be the same again.

2. Identify political corruption issues Mr. Levy identifies in Russia today. Russia is controlled by
power and police. That means that people can be arrested or even killed for no reason. People could
help out someone else and if the government didnt like it they would go after you next.

3. How does Mr. Gorbechev, the previous Russian premier, feel about the current leaders? Why
does he feel this way? Gorbachev thinks Russia is turning back into a Communist state.
Therefore he doesnt like nor support the current leaders.

4. The caption for the picture on page one is titled, Batman and Robin. Explain this caption. Even
though Medvedev elected as president, had no power because Putin called the shots.
However, Putin wasnt supposed to be calling the shots. Just like Batman called the shots
while Robin just sits back like a sidekick.

5. According to the author and Mr. Gorbechev, democracy begins with:

Accountability, elections and turnover.

6. In addition to the aspects of democracy identified above, which other key ingredient is
necessary for a democracy? According to the author, how does Russia meet this ingredient?
Back up your answer with facts. The key ingredient needed for democracy is law. Meaning, law that

everyone follows. Russia has always tried to meet the government needs no matter what it takes, which is
why they meet this is needed.

7. Identify two cases the author identifies where the Russian government has failed the
democratic test.. Civilians still are very careful and scared of what they say because
they are afraid to be hurt from authorities. Which is why in court, the Jury is careful of
their decisions because they are scared of outside forces. The Soviet Union was supposed
to have been taken down a while ago, but its totalitarian and fearful lifestyle is still around
in Russia.