Rhetorical Rise and Demise of Democracy in Russian Political Discourse : The Demise of Democracy After Putin?s Return to Power

In this volume we focus on the years following Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012. This has been a more active period than his first two terms, including the annexation of Crimea and, ultimately, the invasion of Ukraine. Thus, this period may be characterized as the  run-up to that war. The core issue discussed in this volume is Putin’s redefinition of “democracy” as the foundation of society and government in the Russian Federation. Putin argues for a strong central government in which unity is characterized as the absence of dissent. In so doing, Putin seeks to recast Russian national identity, relying on a vision of Russia as the victim of Western aggression.

David Cratis Williams is retired Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His scholarship focuses on argumentation, rhetorical theory, and criticism; he is a recognized authority on Kenneth Burke. His work on Russian political discourse began during a meeting in Russia in January 1992.

Marilyn J. Young is the Wayne C. Minnick Professor of Communication Emerita at Florida State University. Her research has focused on political argument with an emphasis on the development of political rhetoric and argument in the former Soviet Union, particularly Russia. She remains an active scholar in retirement.

Michael K. Launer is Professor Emeritus of Russian at Florida State University. In 1987 he interpreted for the first group of Soviet scientists visiting the United States following the Chernobyl nuclear accident. A State Department certified technical interpreter, he supported Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy assistance programs through 2012.