The Orange Revolution as Crossroad
Democratisation Surge in Ukraine, Restoration Impulse in Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The Orange Revolution, which marks its fifth anniversary on 21 November 2009, was a significant step in the democratisation of Ukraine. This concerns in particular the emancipation of the mass media, the strengthening of civil society, and the institutionalisation of free elections. By contrast, Russia’s leadership reacted with continued regression in its domestic and foreign policies. Some new elements of Putin-style authoritarianism can be described as “para-totalitarian”. However, Western support for the colour revolutions cannot be held responsible for the strengthening of autocratic tendencies in the post-Soviet realm.
(Osteuropa 11/2009, pp. 109–120)