What does it mean in everyday political discourse, or what do I mean by the term?
When Russians refer to the "left," they usually mean the KPRF, Agrarians and suchlike: Economically egalitarian, usually nationalistic, not big on democracy as a rule (these are crude caractures of course). The "right" means pro-market economy, usually but not always pro-democracy and free speech, like Yabloko and the odious Union of Right Forces.
Of course this is rough: Gorbachev is certainly in favor of free speech, and the URF has in the past said that authoritarianism is a legitimate means to push through market reforms.
When I use the term, I mean it to mean pro-communitarianism and egalitarianism. I am refering only to economic criteria.
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