Limits Of Russian Democratisation Emergency Powers And States Of Emergency

Russia's moves towards greater democracy seem dangerously limited by the provisions under the constitution whereby the president can declare states of emergency and take on emergency powers under which individual liberties are severely curtailed. These powers are not just theoretical, but have actually been exercised on numerous occasions. This book examines the nature of emergency powers and their use in the Russian constitution, discussing such powers in earlier Russian history, comparing the Russian situation with that which prevails in other countries, and discussing the legal thought underpinning such powers. A wide-ranging analysis of the origination and use of emergency powers in Western and non-Western countries is provided, tracing the theories and practicalities of emergency orders throughout history. The author warns that the longer an emergency regime lasts, the less effective the measure becomes. States of emergency have a high risk of backfiring and of lending support to the terrorists and extra-state actors that such measures are aimed at in the first place. In addition, he finds that the 1993 Russian Constitution is actually a step backwards in this area, not only from the Russian law of 1991 but even from a Soviet Act on emergency powers passed in 1990. The negotiation of rights and powers under emergency legislation ties into the larger problem of constitutionalism in this still-developing country. With original research and remarkable insight, The Limits of Russian Democratisation will be of interest to scholars examining the new Russia, its rulers, conflicts and motives, and its political systems.Domrin, Alexander N. is the author of 'Limits Of Russian Democratisation Emergency Powers And States Of Emergency', published 2006 under ISBN 9780415363747 and ISBN 0415363748.