Peter Lavelle: Western punditry can’t accept that a so-called “colored revolution” in Russia is very unlikely. This is probably partly due to the fact there is a general built-in media bias against Russia and a very specific bias against Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin, as well as the fact that local Russian spin-doctors and journalists weave the most incredible scenarios of gloom and doom.
Should there be more focus on the prospect that a “colored revolution” or Western-styled “rent-a-crowd” regime changes have run their course in the countries of the former Soviet Union? This is not to claim that many people there have abandoned the hope for a more democratic future, but because a number of regimes have taken precautions against outside funding, training, and agitation, as well as the possible disillusionment with the results Georgia, Ukraine, and – to some extent – Kyrgyzstan have achieved after their “colored revolutions.”
More to the point: Are Georgia and Ukraine experiencing post-revolution “staglution” (a revolution stagnating)? Georgia, the first darling of spinning a people’s revolution in the post-Soviet territory, has lost much of its luster. Mikheil Saakashvili is not longer considered the icon of democratic ideals and reform many once considered him to be. By most accounts, there has only been a change in leadership in Georgia, without significantly dealing with corruption or improving the lot of the average citizen.
In Ukraine, the “Orange Revolution” appeared to have completely squeezed of its once inspiring appeal. Once political allies, President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko appear to be in deadly political embrace, each waiting for the other to submit or to be defeated.
Recent events in Kyrgyzstan, a successful presidential election, are difficult to assess. However, suffice it to say again there has been only a major change at the top and not a revolution in any meaningful sense.
How much does the “staglution” in the aftermath of the “colored revolutions” influence Kremlin perceptions and, importantly, how the Russian public understands of change in the post-Soviet space?
The replies at: http://www.untimely-thoughts.com/index.html?cat=4&type=3&art=1833
also see: http://www.russiaprofile.org/
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