Publication

This paper argues that if Russia is to follow an evolutionary path to democracy, then the regime must be ready to draw the so-called 'non-systemic' opposition into political processes. This gradualist formula for democratic change is also the formula for political stability. The author discusses a number of liberalizing reforms conducted by the regime in response to widespread protests following the December 2011 State Duma election, giving grounds for optimism that this process is now underway.