When it comes to punishing opponents of the present-day regime, Soviet traditions remain alive and well. So that Russia’s attempt at democracy can be better understood, I will discuss aspects of the Soviet government dating back to WWII. Russia can only be understood in the context of the past. I study the government branches to emphasize the power of the president. Russia’s electoral and party systems are mentioned to understand Russia’s lack of plurality and ongoing efforts to stifle dissident voices. Those who publically endorse ideas against the regime risk death. The journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, publically opposed Putin and his involvement in Chechnya was shot at her apartment. Paul Klebnikov dedicated his life to reporting and researching Russian business affairs. His vast knowledge stood as a threat to Putin, and he too was murdered. These two individuals stood for truth and transparency in Russian society. Those who threaten the legitimacy of Putin’s government are silenced. This paper examines how political dissidents reflect how Putin’s role as Russia’s executive authority singularly threatens to co-opt Russia’s fledgling democracy, transitioning the country into a new era of authoritarianism
