Russia as the Third Rome: The Electoral Influence of the Russian Orthodox Church

• In Event: Gender, Ethnicity and Identity Politics in Post-Communist Countries

Abstract

How does organized religion affect the consolidation of power in authoritarian regimes? While previous research focused on transit to and survival of democracy, I examine the effect of religious institutions on the consolidation and maintenance of power in an already existing autocracy. I look at the electoral influence of the Orthodox Church in Russia under President Vladimir Putin. While the significance of the Orthodox Church dwindled under the Communist Era due to the repression of religion, it has since regained its presence and has become increasingly salient in society. To examine the consequences of this resurgence, I look at the expansion in the number of churches during the Putin era and its effects on support for the regime. I find that expansion in the number of churches leads to an increase in electoral support for the regime, during both parliamentary and presidential elections. My study thus highlights how non-governmental organizations can help contribute to regime stability.

Author

• Anastasiia Vlasenko, Kyiv School of Economics