Politics and Society - rubric Democracy and political processes

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of discussions on Jean-Jacques Rousseau as the author whose works served as a foundation for the origination and development of the theory of totalitarian democracy. The arguments are provided not only in support the indicated point of view, but also to against it; Rousseau’s ideas on “impelling to freedom” and the people’s right of revolution. Attention is also given to the contradictory concept of Rousseau regarding the mutual intention and subordination of private interests to common, as well as its interpretations by the critics. The author determines opposite views of the critics upon the paradox of freedom in Rousseau’s works. As an example of the frequent controversy and bias of the opinion of criticizing philosophers is used a modern analysis of the persona of Isaiah Berlin and reasons of his discountenance to the enlightener. Methodological foundation of the study is the historical and comparativist approaches that allow tracing within the framework of research the conception and content of the term “totalitarian democracy”, its correlation to Rousseau’s’ concept and evolution of views of the critics of French enlightener. The conducted analysis allows assessing the contradictory ideas of Rousseau and adduce arguments against the excessively judgmental assessment of his reasoning. The author gives credit to the rudiment of the theory of constitutional state in Rousseau’s works, for example, the idea of mutuality of rights and obligations of citizens and the state. Based on analysis of the historical situation, a conclusion is made on ambiguity but essentiality of Rousseau persona, as well as positive and negative impact of hit theory upon the evolution of philosophical thought.

Keywords: The paradox of freedom, Coercion, Freedom, State, Totalitarian democracy, General will, Democracy, Totalitarism, Enlightenment, Social contract

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2019.2.21852

Abstract: This article examines the development of democratic regimes in the conditions of implementation of the new information and communication technologies. The subject of this research is the factors and causes of emergence of the new phenomenon of e-democracy within the political space. The author refers to the existing in scientific environment theories that explain the transformation of modern regimes towards e-democracy. Special attention is given to the works of Pippa Norris, who made a theoretical and empirical contribution to the establishment of an original scientific model, as well as systematizes the theories of genesis of e-democracy. Other theories of foreign researchers are also considered in the course of this study. The author analyzes all concepts of the development of e-democracy, verified on the basis of empirical data received from Sweden. The conclusion is made on feasibility of the scientific paradigm of P. Norris. The author examines which of the paradigms – the theory of industrial society, technological determinism, democratic theory, or others – presents empirical significance and affects the establishment and development of e-democracy in practice. The results may be valuable for further research on e-democracy, as this article covers and empirically tests all of the key theories of foreign scholars.

Keywords: teledemocracy, political communication, ICT, information and communication technologies, e-democracy, electronic democracy, democracy, cyber-democracy, Internet, new media

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2019.2.21861

Abstract: This article examines the development of democratic regimes in the conditions of implementation of the new information and communication technologies. The subject of this research is the theoretical models of e-democracy and their implementation in global practice. The phenomenon of e-democracy, its structure and definition are considered. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the models of e-democracy, proposed by other authors. The article also explores the classical system of the models of democracy – direct, representative, deliberative, as well as suggests a new perspective upon paradigm of the models of e-democracy. All of the proposed models are analyzed from the standpoint of implementation of the new information and communication technologies along with their influence on the modern democratic architecture. The scientific novelty consists in structuring of all the vectors of realization of e-democracy from the perspective of classical system of models. Having considered the examples of global practice and critical studies of other scholars, the author concludes on the existence of a set of problems on the path of development of e-democracy. The author presents an original outlook upon the future development of e-democracy.

Keywords: teledemocracy, political communication, ICT, information and communication technologies, e-democracy, electronic democracy, democracy, cyber-democracy, Internet, new media

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2018.2.25373

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of blog in its diverse manifestations and place among the forms of exercising of citizens’ rights to participation in administration of affairs of the democratic state, as well as determination of the theoretical and relevant practical prerequisites for its development. The Russian constitutional law does not limit the possible methods of expression of will of the citizens that affects the work of such resources as the “Open Government” portal and “E-Government” portal. The experience of foreign countries demonstrates the existence within the Internet environment of the successful platforms for communication between citizens and government authorities. The author comes to a conclusion that the website that accumulates the regular entries of the users, addressed primarily to the concerned government authorities, is characteristic to the deliberative democracy. At the same time, with the development of e-democracy, escalates the importance of blog as an instrument for expressing the opinion of an individual. Whether such instrument will be demanded by the government, will become evident in the nearest future.

Keywords: the concept of deliberative democracy, direct expression of will, freedom of speech, blog, Information Technology, e-government, e-democracy, Internet culture, Information society, public administration

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2015.3.14781

Abstract: The article discusses the features of the formation and functioning of democratic institutions in modern Western democracies, as well as their role in the system of government. Democratic institutions are the basic elements of a democratic system of government, they underlie and guarantee political stability and respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens. It is a tool to ensure their direct or indirect participation in the governance of the country. They make the political regime clear, both horizontally and vertically developed, accessible to the people, inclusive, effective, efficient, open and competitive. The research methodology is based on systematic, structural-functional, comparative historical and comparative political approaches, methods of analysis, synthesis, observation, induction, deduction, and modeling. According to the author, for a democratic system to work effectively, it is necessary that there is a stable system of political institutions, namely, democratic institutions, and the institutions of government. Furthermore, the structure of these institutions should be clear and hierarchic; an important role here is played by the leaders who should motivate, harmonise, set goals and demonstrate methods to achieve the best system performance. If these requirements are met, the cooperation between all the authorities becomes possible, as well as the "feedback" of civil society. That is what makes such system successful and productive.

Keywords: interests, Russia, state, international systems, lobbying, USA, society, politics, values, security

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2015.3.54361

Keywords: interests, Russia, state, international systems, lobbying, USA, society, politics, values, security

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.4.54051

Abstract: The article examines European Union’s progress in implementing the “Eastern Partnership” initiative, and the part which Republic of Belarus plays in this process. Using the historical and descriptive methods, combined within-depth content analysis, the author illuminates not only institutional interactions of EU’s and Belarus public authorities, but also specifies situations in which the partnership’s dynamics beg a closer look. The author concludes that the Eastern Partnership initiative was adecisive break through between Republic of Belarus and the EU, it stimulated political dialogue and opened many doors for Belorussian delegates to communicate and participate on the highest level.

Keywords: Political science, the Eastern Partnership, Republic of Belarus, the European Union, the European Neighbourhood Policy, the political dialogue, international agreements, partner countries, the summit, the political process

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2015.4.14819

Abstract: The present study is dedicated to the theoretical consideration of the construction of the sibject of secession. The phenomenon of secession threatens the established political and legal order both on global and national levels, as modern law is based on the priority of territorial integrity of the state. At the same time, the majority of modern democratic states pretend that the power exercised by them is of contractual nature. The author examines the question, to what extent the contraposition of the constructs of "nation" (as an admittedly legitimate power holder, having the right for political self-determination) and "subject of secession" (as a potential violator of territorial integrity) is theoretically contradictory and reflects repressive trends of a modern state. The author uses the principle of methodological individualism as the main approach, which implies narrowing of any social phenomena to the behaviour of certain individuals. For the first time the author considers secession as an expression of internal contradictions of statehood, which emerged in the modern era. The author comes up with a conclusion that secession cannot be regarded as an "emergency", since the very existence of a modern state, based on the principle of the rule of the people, implies secession as a necessary form of the self-determination of individuals.

Keywords: international law, territorial integrity, revolution, people, sovereignty, state, self-determination, secession, pluralism, democracy

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2015.4.54374

Keywords: international law, territorial integrity, revolution, people, sovereignty, state, self-determination, secession, pluralism, democracy

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.5.54067

Abstract: There are several scientific theories regarding the democratic reformation process in the Near East. Some authors consider this process perfectly logical and within the world democratization trend, others state that the Near East region has itsown defining traits and special mentality of the population, which isn’t familiar with this particular approach.Let us examine several theories.

Keywords: Political science, politics, society, democracy, democratization, security, liberalism, colour revolutions

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2016.6.15215

Abstract: The subject of this research is the examination of works of the European authors dedicated to the activity of various groups of interests that actively interact with the institutions of the European Union. In addition to that, the article presents an interesting statistical data which reflects the attitude of the European officials towards the lobbying and the lobbyists. The strive of the lobbyist structures for the increase of transparency of the process of state decision-making on the level of Community is being demonstrated. The author determines and analyses the ways that are currently being used by the European legislator for the legal regulation of the lobbyist relations. Based on the examination of a vast amount of empirical material, the author presents the maximally precise and full data about the currently functioning in Europe lobbyist organizations, as well as about the character and level of their impact upon the EU authorities. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that despite the seemingly detailed regulation of public relations in the area of interaction of the EU institutions with the representatives of the European Parliament and European Commission, many problems associated with the lobbying are yet to be resolved. Such problems carry not just a legal-technical character, but also ontological. Conducting an in-depth analysis, the author reveals the substantial and conceptual difficulties, which were faced by the European legislator in determination of the nature and essence of lobbying, its objective-subjective structure, content, functional role, etc.

Keywords: interest representative, interest group, lobbyist, lobbying, European Commission, European Parliament, European Union, stakeholder, transparency register, code of conduct

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2016.6.54573

Keywords: interest representative, interest group, lobbyist, lobbying, European Commission, European Parliament, European Union, stakeholder, transparency register, code of conduct

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.8.9142

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.8.54115

Abstract: The world itself and Russia are rapidly changing. These changes have global civilization character. In order for a new society of expanded democracy, freedom of human choice of activity and individuality without any obstacles from the government and totalitarian tendencies, by which the existing “order” and the well-being of the higher “levels” were supported, the society needs large-scale organized and planned work towards changing the mindset of people and society as a whole. Only formation of a new mindset opposite to the old industrial mindset shall allow to form a novel culture with new features and priorities, which shall be capable of preserving the civilization as such. At the period of formation of the democratic society in Russia the problems of theory and practice of development of democratic state become especially topical. The modern democratic state presupposes a developed civil society, in which various social organizations and political parties interact, and no ideology may be regarded as an official state ideology. Political life in a democratic state is based upon ideological and political variety, multi-partisan system, etc. The Russian Federation is currently (as well as 20 years ago) is on its way towards democratic statehood. The ways of formation and development of the democratic state, its nature and defining features, as well as the democratic principles of constitutional order of the Russian Federation are just as topical today, as they were 20 years ago. However, it seems that the Russian people take much less interest in them now.

Keywords: international relations, politics, democracy, democratization, state, Russia, interests, values, security, concept.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.9.9483

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.9.54130

Abstract: The article represents the modern level of development of the system of ‘E-Government’ in the territory of the Russian Federation. The author offers a definition of ‘E-Government’ taking into account the Russian structure of government. The author also descries stages in formation of E-Government and defines the problems of building an efficient model of the system and analyzes the main architectural elements. The article shows a successful formation of the interagency electronic interaction system and State Portal as the main elements for rendering quality state services to citizens. Special emphasis is made on the modern, i. e. third state of formation when the main infrastructural elements of E-Government allowing to render services at a new quality level, have been launched. The author describes modern tendencies in formation of the systems of ‘open source data’ and ‘e-democracy’ and reflects on the first results of functioning of the Russian Social Initiative portal as an important mechanism of the e-democracy system. Researches of the e-democracy formation allow to assess the balance between provision of E-services and new forms of participation of citizens in sate management.

Keywords: E-Government, open source data, e-democracy, transparency, feedback, new state management, information technologies, Unified State Portal, direct democracy, key-operated democracy.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2014.10.13067

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2014.10.54293

Abstract: The subject under research is the relation between ethics as a philosophical category and the global political process as well as politics as it is. The author of the article gives a review of scientific views on the influence of morals on politics and a state institution as well as modern views on whether such negative qualities as, let’s say, hypocrisy, are allowed in politics. Special attention is paid to the role of religion in the establishment and development of the European civilization and the modern condition of the European civilization considering evident demographic problems in Europe. The author of the article uses a deductive method, structural-functional, institutional, philosophical-comparative analysis as well as other methods of the theoretical approach to analyzing the relation between morals and politics. The present article is devoted to the issues that constitute the most nettlesome political agenda in a modern world, in particular, the growth of Islamic radicalism in the Middle East and the influence of Western countries on this process. Taking into account the establishment of so called Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria and the threat it creates for the entire humankind, it is important to analyze political approaches of Western countries to the problem and the relation between these and ethic standards of the liberal political concept. Special attention is also paid to the status of personality in a number of member states of the United Nations where the Constitution is rather formal and does not correspond with the country’s system of morals and values.

Keywords: USA, democracy, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, Middle East, Europe, morals, ethics, politics, Russia, human rights.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.10.10013

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.10.54145

Abstract: The present article is devoted to the USA experts’ and analysts’ opinions on the new world order at the twenty first century. It is underline that most American experts (both military and civil ones) believe psychological technologies and management of international conflicts to be the main factor of influencing foreign policies of nations under the conditions of growing political instability and chaos in international relations. The foreign policy strategy that is in the process of being prepared in the USA now is aimed at adaptation to the next century environment and conditions but in fact, it will be mostly determined by threats from the other world. Modern ‘two regional wars’ strategy should be left for the benefit of a more real vision of the future which includes smaller conflicts in a greater number of places. In other words, it may create, figuratively speaking, a need to juggle several balls (arising threats) at once.

Keywords: international relations, policy, society, USA, world order, diplomacy, interests, values, conflict, democratization.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.11.10070

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2013.11.54155

Abstract: The article is devoted to the origin, main historical phases of development and modern status of the democratic political regime in Great Britain. The author raises a question about the need in improvement and transformation of modern democracy and outlines the main problems and challenges for democracy today. Based on the example of Great Britain, the author analyzes the reasons of expansion or, to the contrary, of reduction of democratic beginnings in the system of state government during different periods in history. The author in detail describes peculiarities and singularities of democratic principles and institutions in Great Britain. Special attention is paid to modernization of constitutional laws and reformation of central government institution of the United Kingdom in order to increase their effi ciency and reinforce democratic principles. The author of the article underlines that Britain politicians have a very well weighed and pragmatic approach to functioning of the main branches of government which allows a certain digression from acknowledged democratic standards. Methods of the present research are chosen taking into account the interdisciplinary nature of research which suggests to use methods and approaches associated with history, politics, law, economics and social studies. However, the priority is given to the principle of historicism which means scientifi c interpretation of phenomena, items or events from the point of view of particular historical environment. The other basic principle of the present research is the principle f scientifi c objectivity. This principle means the rejection of any stereotypes regarding the subject of research and no limitation of the subject of research by previously set ideological doctrines.