Present Day Russian Government vs. Soviet Government

Attribute	Present Day Russian Government	Soviet Government
Form of Government	Federal semi-presidential constitutional republic	Single-party Marxist-Leninist state
Leader	President Vladimir Putin	General Secretary of the Communist Party
Political Parties	Multiparty system	Single-party system
Economic System	Mixed economy with elements of state capitalism	Command economy
Foreign Relations	Engages in diplomacy with various countries	Part of the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War

Political System

The Soviet government was characterized by a one-party system, with the Communist Party holding all the power. The government was centralized and authoritarian, with decisions being made by a small group of party leaders. In contrast, the present-day Russian government operates under a semi-presidential system, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. There are multiple political parties in Russia, although the ruling party, United Russia, has a dominant position.

Economic System

Under the Soviet government, the economy was centrally planned and state-owned, with little room for private enterprise. The government controlled all major industries and resources, leading to inefficiencies and shortages. In present-day Russia, the economy is a mix of state-owned and private enterprises, with a greater emphasis on market forces. However, there are concerns about corruption and crony capitalism in Russia's economic system.

Human Rights

The Soviet government was notorious for its human rights abuses, including censorship, political repression, and forced labor camps. Dissent was not tolerated, and individuals who spoke out against the government faced severe consequences. While Russia has made some progress in terms of human rights since the fall of the Soviet Union, there are still concerns about freedom of speech, press, and assembly in the country.

Foreign Policy

During the Soviet era, Russia was a superpower and engaged in a Cold War with the United States. The Soviet government had a policy of spreading communism around the world and supporting socialist movements in other countries. In contrast, present-day Russia has a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy, focusing on protecting its national interests and maintaining its influence in the region. Russia has also been involved in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria in recent years.

Government Structure

The Soviet government had a highly centralized structure, with power concentrated in the hands of the Communist Party leadership. The government controlled all aspects of society, including the media, education, and the economy. In contrast, the present-day Russian government has a more decentralized structure, with power shared between the President, the Prime Minister, and the Federal Assembly. However, there are concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of President Vladimir Putin.

Corruption

Corruption was rampant in the Soviet government, with party officials using their positions for personal gain. Bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism were common practices in the Soviet Union. While Russia has made efforts to combat corruption in recent years, it remains a significant problem in the country. Transparency International ranks Russia low on its Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating that corruption is still a major issue in the country.

Media and Information Control

Under the Soviet government, the media was tightly controlled by the state, with censorship and propaganda being used to shape public opinion. Dissenting voices were silenced, and access to information was restricted. In present-day Russia, there is more freedom of the press, but the government still exerts control over the media through ownership and regulation. Independent journalists and media outlets face harassment and intimidation from the authorities.

Conclusion

While there are some similarities between the present-day Russian government and the Soviet government, such as a strong central authority and concerns about human rights, there are also significant differences in terms of political and economic systems, foreign policy, and government structure. Russia has made progress in some areas since the fall of the Soviet Union, but there are still challenges to overcome, including corruption, media control, and human rights abuses.