ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a framework for the analysis of key issues relating to Yabloko’s development as a political party. It examines the impact of societal factors on party development with specific reference to S. M. Lipset and S. Rokkan’s cleavage approach. The chapter explores the effect of institutional factors on the development of Russia’s party system, paying particular attention to the role of the electoral system and the presidency. It argues that these two factors have had a significant impact on the development of political parties in Russia. The chapter discusses party typologies and the extent to which parties in Russia can be classified using Western concepts. It also examines the theory behind the concept of social cleavages and to what extent such theory is applicable to the Russian case. The chapter describes the changes in Western party typology and the factors influencing the organisational models chosen by Russian political parties.
