The Politics of Bad Governance in Contemporary Russia

Vladimir Gelman's book explores bad governance as a distinct politico-economic order driven by agency and self-interest,with a history of ineffective and corrupt governments. He argues that bad governance is the norm,while good governance is an exception due to short-term incentives. Contemporary Russia is a prime example of this phenomenon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Bad governance, as conceptualized by Vladimir Gelman, represents a distinct politico-economic order characterized by a set of formal and informal rules, norms, and practices that differ significantly from those of good governance. In some countries, bad governance is intentionally pursued by political leaders who establish and maintain rules, norms, and practices that serve their own self-interests. Gelman views bad governance as primarily driven by agency rather than structure, and he addresses the issue of causes and mechanisms of bad governance in Russia and beyond from a broader scholarly perspective, grounded in state-building, political regime dynamics, and policy-making.

While bad governance is often perceived as an anomaly in developed countries, it is important to recognize that human history is largely a history of ineffective and corrupt governments. The rule of law and decent state regulatory quality, on the other hand, are relatively recent developments that emerged as side effects of state-building. In reality, bad governance is the norm, while good governance is an exception. The problem lies in the short-term incentives that often prevail in ruling domains, particularly when rulers have limited time horizons and face relatively weak external constraints on their behavior.

Contemporary Russia serves as a prime example of this phenomenon. Gelman analyzes case studies of political and policy changes in Russia after the Soviet collapse to explore the logic of building and maintaining a politico-economic order of bad governance in the country and the potential pathways for its transformation. His work sheds light on the complex dynamics and factors that contribute to the persistence of poor governance in Russia and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving governance in the region.

In conclusion, bad governance is a significant issue that requires careful examination and analysis. By understanding the causes and mechanisms of bad governance, as well as the broader historical and political context, we can work towards promoting good governance and building more resilient and sustainable societies.

ISBN-13: 9780472075621