ABSTRACT
This chapter examines in detail the factors that, taken together, provide a balanced explanation for the phenomenon of Russia’s divided liberal movement. It argues that programmatic and ideological differences, distinct social bases of support, contrasting attitudes to the regime, institutional factors, electoral strategy on the part social and economic liberal groups, and the role of agency must all be considered in order to gain an understanding of the reasons behind the division. The chapter explores a range of factors that have contributed to the continuing divisions between Russia’s liberals. The failure of parties within the broad liberal-democratic reformist movement to form an effective electoral coalition has been a persistent phenomenon, much commented on in contemporary Russian politics. The economic liberals have tended to play down the ideological differences between the two groups and emphasise commonalities, particularly their opposition to communism.
