Party Politics in Russia and Ukraine - by Bryon Moraski (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book investigates the effects of similar electoral system changes on candidate selection, election outcomes, and party development in two post-Soviet states, Russia and Ukraine, during a period when Russia's rulers were consolidating a dominant-party, electoral authoritarian regime and Ukraine appeared to be moving towards electoral democracy"--

Book Synopsis

Examines how political parties navigate major election reforms by comparing electoral system changes in Russia and Ukraine at the same time, under different regimes

In Party Politics in Russia and Ukraine, Bryon Moraski provides a window into the political landscapes of Russia and Ukraine, two countries that have clashed with each other--and struggled with their own popular revolts--in recent years. Drawing on election outcomes, party nominations, parliamentary voting, and other data, Moraski highlights how ruling parties, incumbent legislators, and others have adapted to major electoral system changes in both countries.

Moraski sheds light on how authoritarian regimes--and the ruling parties that support them--have used changing conditions in their countries to consolidate their power, with varying success. Exploring the swiftly changing political arena of Eastern Europe, Party Politics in Russia and Ukraine offers timely insight into the impact of elections in the twenty-first century.

Review Quotes

"

Moraski provides a persuasive and detailed account of the response of the
main political parties to the change in the electoral system, taking into account different institutional
settings: an imperfect but clear democracy, in the case of Ukraine, and growing authoritarianism in
the case of Russia.

"-- "Europe-Asia Studies"

"How do electoral systems shape the development of authoritarian parties? As Vladimir Putin looks to extend his rule, Bryon Moraski gives us timely and provocative insight into how authoritarian leaders seek to strengthen party systems in order to increase their own legitimacy."-- "Paul D'Anieri, author of Ukraine and Russia: From Civilized Divorce to Uncivil War"

About the Author

Bryon Moraski is Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Florida. He is the author of Elections by Design: Parties and Patronage in Russia's Regions and co-author of The Regional Roots of Russia's Political Regime.