Russia and the Politics of 'Putinism'

Alexseev argues that four robust 'state-preserving' pillars of support prevent Russia from collapsing. This article seeks rather to persuade that these pillars provided little safeguard against the 'confederalization' of Russia's Federation, particularly after the 'systemic shock' of August 1998. It finds agreement with Alexseev in noting the dangers to stability posed by Putin's programme of recentralization, and concludes by suggesting that the politics of 'Putinism' will become a key litmus test for the nature of Russian governance into the 21st century.