The Russian State Universities for Humanities hosted the conference “Democracy, society and modernization in Russia: unity of aim and action,” at which well-known human right supporters expressed their views on these processes, including the Russian Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin.
“The conference is headlined “Education, democracy, society and modernization,” i.e. it is a science fiction. All elements deserve a serious discussion whether each of them exists or not, and what we can do to make it appear. At least, each of these deserves explanation,” Lukin said.
Democracy
Do we have democracy or not? I would say: “Yes and no, simultaneously.” There is no perfect democracy, which exists in our minds. I understand that in some countries it prevails, in others it is lacking.
As for Russia, we should admit that today the situation is absolutely different than in was in traditional Russia of the XIX century. Those days democracy was European with infusion of American trends. Today the situation is different. Political systems in the world are changing, and anyway they are moving toward democracy. We are falling behind in this sense. Our combination of stability and reforms leads to slowdownof our development.
Society
Society exists in our country. We have public opinion, the Public Chamber and so on. On the other hand, we have very strong base of traditionalism in the country, as well as many other states. Unfortunately gap between the traditionalism base and intentions of narrow elite is great.
Transitional situation in the society is interesting too. This transitional period is a transitional period between two transitional periods, and it is a big problem too, especially in the sphere of modernization.
Modernization
Lukin thinks that modernization in the world has no time limits. Modernization has always taken place in Russia. We cannot declare modernization and implement it, like in Skolkovo. Modernization is taking place during the whole history of Russia. What is taking Christianity? It is modernization, a reform, and a very radical reform with serious consequences. It doesn’t mean modernization in Russia has had only one direction. If it were not permanent, negative events would happen. Traditional perception of the world is the following: we fall behind West, but we are developed enough and should light up it by our high morality. On the other hand, we have big space, where Russia should present its leading role. At the moment the situation is different.
Modernization of mentality is necessary. The problem of modernization is very serious. Russia is a big ship, which cannot be easily turned, as it can turn over. We should be patient, I mean we should develop new attitude to life and each other. Maybe in this case people would say 'Thank you!' to us."
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