Fight against democracy: Russian “recipes” are in demand

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A Western expert made an amazing conclusion: the global autocracies use Russian “recipes” to oppose democratic changes. These same global autocrats identify "foreign agents" and strengthen control over the Internet.

Fight against democracy: Russian “recipes” are in demand

Photo: A. Kisbenedek / AFP / Getty Images (fragment, screenshot)




Arch Paddington in a magazine talks on this topic. "The American Interest". Mr. Paddington is a scientist, a specialist in the field of democracy research at Freedom House, the author of The Destruction of Democracy: Strategies, Goals, and Methods of Modern Autocrats.

The recent adoption of the law on “foreign agents” in Hungary is presented to the author as a “disturbing reminder” that global autocracies suppress the activity of civil society. The goal of the Victor Orban law is to neutralize NGOs and think tanks as sources of independent thought about democratic renewal. The fact that the EU state adopted a law, modeled on the model of Russian legislation, Paddington does not approve. Such a law only "makes things worse."

According to the author, authoritarian regimes everywhere sought to neutralize precisely those institutions that serve as key tools for democratic transformations. Civil society is one element of freedom, and the Internet is another. And it is precisely these freedoms, according to many experts, that are being destroyed as a result of political repression in those parts of the world that “were circumvented by the democratic revolutions of the end of 20 century”. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and other leaders are now demonstrating "an impressive ability to suppress, regulate and co-opt these institutions."

For example, in China, the authorities have achieved great success in suppressing network materials, which can lead to any broad form of online protests, and even collective actions in real life. In addition to state control, “the Chinese regime has deployed entire armies of paid and voluntary commentators,” which flood social networks with pro-government notes, affect online discussions, attack those who make anti-government statements. Russia rejected the almost total control system invented by Beijing. Instead, in Russia, "sites are closed or online commentators are punished who cross some of the red lines." Both the Chinese and Russian methods led to interference by the opposition, which seeks to become more active and join forces through the network.

When suppressing democratic institutions, a number of problems appear, the expert believes. Rejecting economic diversity, Russia ensured the impossibility of reaching the first level of development. "Obsessive Internet censorship in China" pushed the younger generation of neighboring Asian societies away from the country, not to mention China’s youth. Authoritarian powers, however, are “willing to tolerate” such costs, because oppositional ideas and pluralism threaten the existence of autocratic leaders.

So, the author made a curious historical conclusion: that autocrat who suppresses the freedoms of civil society and pursues a free Internet, runs the risk of stalling the development of the country and dooming the home economy to a backlog. Lack of freedom leads to stagnation, but the latter is necessary for autocratic leaders to maintain power.

Observed and commented on Oleg Chuvakin
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    1. +12
      27 June 2017 07: 25
      Instead, Russia "closes sites or punishes online commentators who cross some red lines."

      “Some red lines,” but it’s nothing that these lines often call for a violent change of power, for inciting ethnic and religious hatred, for sabotage, etc. etc. ..... Liberoids are completely crazy. It seems to me that there have been plenty of revolutions in the history of Russia in abundance. Stability and progress - that's the head of everything.
      1. +13
        27 June 2017 07: 37
        Yeah! When in Russia political irreconcilable people are seated on buses and their happy, smiling faces are visible - they have worked the loot, this is a violation of democracy and tyranny! And when in the West, with clubs, gas and dogs forced to consensus, it is the legality and hand of the Kremlin.
        1. +4
          27 June 2017 09: 12
          Quote: VadimSt
          political irreconcilable people are seated on buses and their happy, smiling faces are visible

          For comparison. The "bloody totalitarian" regime and the birthplace of democracy.
        2. +3
          27 June 2017 09: 38
          The recent adoption of the law on "foreign agents" in Hungary seems to the author a "troubling reminder" that global autocracies suppress the activity of civil society. The purpose of Viktor Orban’s law is to neutralize NGOs and think tanks as sources of independent thought about democratic renewal. Paddington does not approve of the fact that the EU state passed a law formulated on the model of Russian legislation.

          Both Hungary and Russia need to pass a law on the model of US law - did not report receipt of money from a foreign organization - you will receive 2 years in prison, plus they will remind you of the payment of tax and fine.
          Plus, all these "subsidies" of the State Department must be taxed. And to take both parts, and the one that individuals pay on income + the one that the employer pays on payments to an individual.
      2. 0
        27 June 2017 07: 38
        The Russian layman would like this work of the state to be more visible and effective.
      3. +8
        27 June 2017 07: 56
        global autocracies use Russian “recipes” to counter democratic change

        Stripes, you got even "shit-democrats" with your "shitty" changes fellow
        1. +5
          27 June 2017 08: 15
          Good time, Vladimir! hi , this "lion" democrat is exactly as much as he is paid, but Gazprom pays.
          1. +5
            27 June 2017 08: 19
            Quote: cniza
            Good time, Vladimir! hi , this "lion" democrat is exactly as much as he is paid, but Gazprom pays.

            Good afternoon .Victor! hi You just noticed about a lion, only this body looks like a mane on a lion, and the jackal is working for handouts. drinks hi
          2. +4
            27 June 2017 08: 29
            Victor, hi! hi
            Quote: cniza
            this "lion" democrat

            More likely - a shabby cat with low social responsibility.
            1. +5
              27 June 2017 08: 32
              And he thinks he's a lion laughing and pride! lol
              1. +4
                27 June 2017 08: 34
                Well, you yourself know who gets richer in thought. wink lol
                1. +4
                  27 June 2017 08: 36
                  But these are his problems, but he feels himself in chocolate.
                  1. +2
                    27 June 2017 08: 40
                    That is yes - the problems of the blacks of the sheriff .... (hereinafter).
                    1. +2
                      27 June 2017 08: 49
                      Quote: bouncyhunter
                      That is yes - the problems of the blacks of the sheriff .... (hereinafter).


                      You be careful lol otherwise his fan club ... they are so "evil". laughing
                      1. +2
                        27 June 2017 08: 55
                        Wah wah wow! lol
                        1. +4
                          27 June 2017 09: 00
                          One says so too laughing

                      2. +3
                        27 June 2017 09: 03
                        Quote: cniza
                        One says so too

                        No, I’m still far from Pedalik. lol
                        1. +2
                          27 June 2017 09: 19
                          Pasha, I didn’t mean it belay , you and I live in a different space, "such lions" will not get there. lol
                      3. +2
                        27 June 2017 09: 22
                        Quote: cniza
                        you and I live in a different space, "such lions" will never get there.

                        Ah, so what are you talking about! Thus, in our reality, the portal is closed and securely guarded
                        1. +2
                          27 June 2017 09: 29
                          Pasha, they should go there:

      4. +3
        27 June 2017 08: 04
        What is American "democracy"? This is the state of the state, completely satisfied with the Anglo-Saxons, Pind ... wasps. This is a state in which the government and power are completely corrupt, for example, Ukraine or Russia in the early 90s under Yeltsin, in which national wealth is plundered, national wealth, in which the bulk of citizens, best of all, 99,999%, live in slums and eat scraps from the table 0,0001 parts of society.
        Do we need this? Of course not. We need a society, a state in which power and people are united by a single idea of ​​the exaltation and formation of Russia as a great state. We need a society, a state in which the laws of justice are respected, in which the principle is respected: from each according to ability, to each according to work, in which people are protected from the arbitrariness of power, from corruption, in which pensioners lead a dignified existence, in which children of any Russian citizens go to circles, attend sports sections for free and regardless of property qualifications, where education and medical services are completely free, and where every Russian citizen can count on the help and protection of the state critical situations ... This is not only that there is democracy. Everything else is colonialism in a new wrapper of democracy.
        "People-State-Fatherland" - this is the slogan of every Russian patriot. A strong, united by moral values ​​people creates a strong, powerful state. A strong state and a strong, united people create the Fatherland, which has flourished for centuries.
    2. +4
      27 June 2017 07: 27
      Russian "recipes" are in demandEven historical.
      1. +1
        27 June 2017 08: 07
        The author confused: instead of stars on the wings there should be a star-striped US flag and a prison bars. Then everything will correspond to reality, truth and justice.

        "People-State-Fatherland" - this is the slogan of every Russian patriot. A strong, united by moral values ​​people creates a strong, powerful state. A strong state and a strong, united people create the Fatherland, which has flourished for centuries.
      2. +8
        27 June 2017 08: 09
        Ta-ax! "Knock with a pointer on the desk" -An escaped again? am
        1. +5
          27 June 2017 08: 13
          I am flying. Already in place. recourse
        2. +3
          27 June 2017 08: 16
          Good morning Sergey! hi , the whole point in the price is very correctly noticed ... lol
          1. +7
            27 June 2017 08: 32
            Hello Victor! hi You see what lazy people have to work with. I’m trying to teach him to upload videos, and he constantly runs away from the lesson. laughing
            1. +2
              27 June 2017 08: 38
              Nothing, "repetition of mother teaching."
    3. +5
      27 June 2017 07: 33
      It’s just that with the West we have completely different concepts of the word “democracy”!
      1. +4
        27 June 2017 07: 39
        for us it is the power of the people, and for them - the power of one people over all
      2. 0
        27 June 2017 07: 45
        in in agree with this completely))))
    4. +4
      27 June 2017 07: 37
      Try to speak on the American forum, there you will fall under such a "democracy". You’ll be immediately called paid Kremlin troll, they’ll declare you a “crusade”, they’ll call you Russian communist or just commi ... Romanov should be sent there, wave the sword for the tsar-priest, for Russian sovereignty. To CNN, for example. laughing lol
      1. 0
        27 June 2017 18: 15
        On English sites, a large majority criticize America and the EU and nothing.
    5. +1
      27 June 2017 07: 38
      democracy must be quoted
    6. +8
      27 June 2017 07: 38
      Here in our schools, “democracy” was spread, shouted at the child (in the case) All violation of the child’s rights .. And this dunce giggles into the fist, watching how the teacher makes excuses, etc. .... That's where NGOs grow up and all kinds of bulk and others!
    7. 0
      27 June 2017 07: 40
      Give in the face of that juniper paddington for doggy delirium. He doesn’t like Orban, you know. Do not teach others how to live, corpse eaters. In the coffin, both Russia and China (and more and more countries) saw such a civilization. Rot on.
    8. +3
      27 June 2017 07: 41
      Let the “lamp of democracy" (Matrasia, if anyone does not know) stop banning alternative media. Allow NPOs to operate on its territory. Well no, this is not for the "white master".
      1. 0
        27 June 2017 07: 55
        Quote: Mountain Shooter
        Let the “lamp of democracy" (Matrasia, if anyone does not know) stop banning alternative media. Allow NPOs to operate on its territory. Well no, this is not for the "white master".


        Monster nuland them with cookies and a sandwich with a democracy for tea.
    9. 0
      27 June 2017 07: 42
      Let the “lamp of democracy" (Matrasia, if anyone does not know) stop banning alternative media. Allow NPOs to operate on its territory. Well no, this is not for the "white master".
    10. +6
      27 June 2017 07: 45
      Democracy is when one gay man has nearly half a hundred cameras a day of the airborne forces and savor details to holes ........... why should Putin rot someone, you yourself show how miserable you are. Namely methods, Western standards are rushing in person, because not a single child of Donbass .................. stood up!
    11. 0
      27 June 2017 07: 51
      "Democracy" is a borrowed word that has not taken root not in the village, not in the city. In life, one has to express oneself and do everything according to the nashensky.
    12. +2
      27 June 2017 07: 59
      Quote: DEPARTMENT
      Here in our schools "democracy" was spread, shouted at the child (in the case) All violation of the rights of a child

      ---------------------------
      Democracy with rights and duties alone does not exist, just as there are no abstract “human rights.” Indeed, we infringe upon someone’s rights everywhere. A teacher’s rights, if children offend him, for example. Nobody talks about this. A teacher should not work in extreme conditions. The violation of the rights of unemployed people is happening everywhere because "the administration has the right not to hire". So with democracy, the principle of reciprocity must be respected, and not a bias in one direction. Under the Soviet regime, it was possible to complain to the party committee, and justice could be restored there. But with bourgeois democracy you won’t find any ends.
    13. 3vs
      0
      27 June 2017 08: 05
      Let him look in the mirror first!
    14. 0
      27 June 2017 08: 06
      These very world autocrats reveal “foreign agents” and strengthen control over the Internet.

      If this is not done, then you “true democrats” will completely lose their scent, and this is not far from the next color revolution. They themselves would have pinched their tail a little and the world would have a calmer life.
      1. 0
        27 June 2017 08: 17
        the key here is
        Quote: rotmistr60
        These are the very world autocrats reveal

        Does anyone really believe autocracy is better than democracy? or in general, what is better than democracy, does anyone know? Me not.
        1. +1
          27 June 2017 09: 24
          As Plato used to say: “Democracy is the worst social system right after tyranny.” True Russian democracy was among the Russians, in the form of a nation-wide Veche, when they invited (hired) the prince to reign, subject to his removal (sometimes radically) if he did not fulfill his functions (mainly military). The remaining issues were resolved together. The power of the "majority", under capitalism, is an uncovered deception in no way. If a leader is focused on work in the name of the greatness of his country and people, then this is certainly the best option. The most striking example is I.V. Stalin.
          1. 0
            27 June 2017 09: 47
            But all the development that now exists is created precisely by democratic countries, the rest play the role of catching up. Veche - of course it was good, but we do not live in the Middle Ages, we need to move on, for imagine the veche now ... Tyranny is a natural stage of evolution, and democracy is the next level to which the authorities need to grow, but only after it grows itself people, otherwise there will be anarchy. It’s just that Europe has gone through this stage, but we have just begun, because of a 70-year hiatus.
            1. 0
              27 June 2017 10: 06
              Quote: Farid05
              It’s just that Europe has gone through this stage, but we have just begun, because of a 70-year hiatus.

              And what is there now, good in Europe? Everything is upside down, all privileges and the right to vote, only at p.de.r...tov. Do you want such a democracy? There is no other. And on the issue of the 70-year backlog, you are wrong, this was the period of the highest development of Russia. It didn’t work out, just ours hurried up with the construction of a normal society, for 200 years.
              1. 0
                27 June 2017 14: 13
                Quote: Orionvit
                And what is there now, good in Europe? Everything is upside down, all privileges and the right to vote, only at p.de.r...tov. Do you want such a democracy? There is no other.

                it scares us with pedals, but for some reason those who scare them send these children to study and live their children, buy real estate and business there, and they treat us about patriotism ...
                Quote: Orionvit
                And on the issue of the 70-year backlog, you are wrong, this was the period of the highest development of Russia. It didn’t work out, just ours hurried up with the construction of a normal society, for 200 years.

                even the founder of Marx had an unresolved question - how to stimulate a person to work better, but this is all in theory. In practice, we built a state with the usual tyranny, which turned into gerontophilia and again the same thing - we had a deficit, and they (the leadership) had everything, and overseas ... why? because the citizen developed many times worse than that of the bourgeoisie. Why? Because development is impossible without free competition in a free market. Is everything really so free with them? Of course not, there is corruption, and the regulators are tough, but if something happens - posts fly, criminal cases are instituted, and the whole blame is the constant change of power and leadership of all their main institutions - this is the recipe that I constantly talk about on this site.
              2. 0
                27 June 2017 14: 15
                It seems to me that I will soon get into a ban on this site, because I received 5 warnings for absolutely harmless comments ... the moderators stubbornly remain silent on my questions about the reasons ...
                1. 0
                  27 June 2017 19: 39
                  You have one problem, you are seriously ill with that very, Western democracy. Raise questions about the difficulties (which exist in almost any country), and, moreover, repeat the whole nonsense that we were fed in the late 80s and early 90s, when the great power was destroyed.
                  Marx had an unresolved question - how to stimulate a person to work better, but that's all in theory. In practice, we built a state with the usual tyranny, which turned into gerontophilia and again the same thing - we had a deficit, and they (the leadership) had everything, and overseas ... why? because the citizen developed many times worse than that of the bourgeoisie. Why? Because development is impossible without free competition in a free market. Is everything really so free with them? Of course not, and there is corruption, and the regulators are tough, but if something happens - posts fly, criminal cases are instituted, and the whole blame is the constant change of power and leadership of all their main institutions
                  I understand you, then there wasn’t yet, and we ate this de.r.a., thanks. If you really think, as you write, then I am truly sorry for you, your brain was washed with "democracy" at the most banal level.
                  1. 0
                    28 June 2017 08: 10
                    Thanks of course, but I do not need pity. And by the way, I'm certainly young, but I also remember a little Soviet time, including good. I would like to say that I feel sorry for you too, but I do not like to lie, because I think that in 90% of cases, the person himself is to blame for all his troubles. If that's all, then with respect, despite the fact that you have accused me of not far.
                    PS
                    Everyone has difficulties, but not all solve them.
                    1. 0
                      28 June 2017 17: 45
                      Quote: Farid05
                      in 90% of cases in all their troubles the person is to blame.

                      True. But if a person himself realizes that he is wrong, then this is already half the success. Alas, there are very few such people, basically, everyone is absolutely confident in their "rightness." Good luck, I hope that all the best is ahead of you. Including understanding.
          2. 0
            28 June 2017 11: 26
            and the people are not competent in management, it’s the same as for an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences to be elected by popular vote .. democracy is an illusion. for some reason, with the word democracy, I remember a tale about dihydrogen monoxide
    15. +1
      27 June 2017 08: 24
      Amazing conclusion. Those who are not with us are against us.
    16. +3
      27 June 2017 08: 52
      Democracy originated in ancient Greece - in Athens. Moreover, democratic rights and freedoms did not extend to slaves. That is, initially, democracy was not for everyone. That is why she is so fond of the Anglo-Saxons, who believe that they are the main ones on the planet Earth (after all, it’s so good to rob out of the guise!).
    17. +2
      27 June 2017 08: 52
      world autocracies suppress the activity of civil society.

      If this activity is aimed at the destruction of the state for the sake of banded shit democracy, then hell with such activity. Why are the opinions of the majority, which do not need such "active" ones, be taken into account? belay fool
    18. 0
      27 June 2017 09: 02
      Russian "recipes" are in demand

      Of course enjoy! And they will use it. Our most famous recipe for democracy is the S-300 (with applications).
    19. +2
      27 June 2017 09: 05
      We take on American recipes. Imagine Matvienko distributing pancakes on Brighton Beach.
    20. +5
      27 June 2017 09: 38
      Quote: Slon_on
      Democracy originated in ancient Greece - in Athens.

    21. +1
      27 June 2017 11: 46
      And what's wrong with democracy, to the best of course. Man is a free being.
    22. 0
      27 June 2017 11: 50
      Quote: New user
      And what's wrong with democracy, to the best of course. Man is a free being.

      ------------------------
      There is nothing wrong with democracy, of course. Only depending on what meaning this word is filled with and what kind of person is elected. After all, in a "democratic" way, you can run for the territory of a completely alien person, PR managers to pump him a rating. But people do not know him, will he protect their interests? Or did he just buy a deputy seat? That's the point.
    23. 0
      27 June 2017 16: 38
      What a mess in the head of this expert.
    24. 0
      27 June 2017 18: 24
      Quote: Farid05
      It’s just that Europe has gone through this stage, but we have just begun, because of a 70-year hiatus.

      ---------------------
      This is your break in your brain for 70 years. We had a direct form of democracy.
    25. 0
      28 June 2017 08: 14
      conclusion one there are good trolls and bad

    "Right Sector" (banned in Russia), "Ukrainian Insurgent Army" (UPA) (banned in Russia), ISIS (banned in Russia), "Jabhat Fatah al-Sham" formerly "Jabhat al-Nusra" (banned in Russia) , Taliban (banned in Russia), Al-Qaeda (banned in Russia), Anti-Corruption Foundation (banned in Russia), Navalny Headquarters (banned in Russia), Facebook (banned in Russia), Instagram (banned in Russia), Meta (banned in Russia), Misanthropic Division (banned in Russia), Azov (banned in Russia), Muslim Brotherhood (banned in Russia), Aum Shinrikyo (banned in Russia), AUE (banned in Russia), UNA-UNSO (banned in Russia), Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (banned in Russia), Legion “Freedom of Russia” (armed formation, recognized as terrorist in the Russian Federation and banned)

    “Non-profit organizations, unregistered public associations or individuals performing the functions of a foreign agent,” as well as media outlets performing the functions of a foreign agent: “Medusa”; "Voice of America"; "Realities"; "Present time"; "Radio Freedom"; Ponomarev; Savitskaya; Markelov; Kamalyagin; Apakhonchich; Makarevich; Dud; Gordon; Zhdanov; Medvedev; Fedorov; "Owl"; "Alliance of Doctors"; "RKK" "Levada Center"; "Memorial"; "Voice"; "Person and law"; "Rain"; "Mediazone"; "Deutsche Welle"; QMS "Caucasian Knot"; "Insider"; "New Newspaper"