Reverse Revolution: Russia\u27s Constitutional Crisis

Russia is experiencing a crisis that threatens the continued relevance of its Constitution. This is demonstrated first by Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency and the political crisis it has fueled. Second, it is shown by the Constitution’s inability to remedy the political crisis due to the collapse of separation of powers and federalism in Russia, and severe party underdevelopment. Part A of this note discusses Russia’s political crisis, namely the demise of democracy. Part B discusses the Constitution’s injuries, specifically the collapse of federalism, the demise of the separation of powers, and the state’s party underdevelopment. Together, these factors signify a constitutional crisis which can be cured only through substantive changes to the Constitution and Russia’s electoral laws, and a normative shift in Russian politics