Polity Atlas

How each model solves the same problems

Instead of “democracy versus anarchism”, compare the concrete ways collective problems get solved.

Question+ Model
How are decisions made?A dominant presidency with a small circle of security-service and business allies; a Duma controlled by United Russia; regional governors appointed (2005–2012) or elected under filters.Unknown
How are conflicts resolved?Courts that rarely ruled against the Kremlin in political cases; elite disputes settled by the president; selective prosecution of rivals.Unknown
How are public goods funded?Pensions, wages and infrastructure financed largely by oil and gas revenue; a reserve fund built in the boom years.Unknown
How is AI used?No algorithmic governance; growing use of digital surveillance and online censorship by the end of the period.Unknown
What are the main risks?Dependence on hydrocarbon rents, erosion of the institutions that could replace leaders, and escalating repression and external aggression.Unknown

This illustrates differences in design; it is not a universal claim about outcomes. Each cell links to mechanisms and the claims behind them.