Hello, I'm an expert in political science with a focus on comparative politics. I have a deep understanding of various political systems around the world, including Russia's. Let's delve into the question of whether Russia is a democracy.

Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives. It is characterized by free and fair elections, the protection of individual rights, the rule of law, and a system of checks and balances.

Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, has a complex political history. It was a monarchy for centuries, then became a communist state under the Soviet Union. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia underwent significant political changes.

Boris Yeltsin, who became the first president of the Russian Federation in 1991, is a pivotal figure in Russia's democratic journey. His election marked a significant shift from the one-party rule of the Communist Party. Yeltsin's tenure was marked by efforts to democratize the country, including the introduction of a new constitution in 1993 that established a presidential system.

However, the path to democracy in Russia has not been straightforward. While there have been elections, they have often been criticized for not being fully free or fair. The political opposition has faced significant challenges, and there are concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the media.

The August 12, 2011, reference likely pertains to a significant event in Russia's recent history, although it's not clear what specific event is being referred to without additional context. It could be a nod to the protests or political moments that have occurred in Russia, reflecting the ongoing struggle for democratic values and freedoms.

In the years following Yeltsin's presidency, Vladimir Putin has been a dominant figure in Russian politics. Putin's leadership has been characterized by a consolidation of power, with critics arguing that it has led to a reduction in democratic space. There have been numerous reports of political repression, including the suppression of dissent and the centralization of media control.

The red word in the provided text, democracy, is central to our discussion. It is a term that encompasses a broad range of political practices and ideals. Whether Russia can be considered a democracy is a matter of debate and depends on one's interpretation of what constitutes a democratic system.

In conclusion, while Russia has elements of a democratic system, such as elections and a constitution, the country also exhibits characteristics that are more aligned with authoritarianism. The question of whether Russia is a democracy is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of the country's political landscape and the principles of democracy.

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Boris Yeltsin, the first democratically elected president in Russia's thousand years, galvanized the resistance when he climbed atop one of the tanks and called on citizens to defend the freedoms he had promised to deliver. They mounted the barricades, unarmed, willing to risk their lives for democracy.Aug 12, 2011read more >>