Robert Person

Mr. Person s work seeks to address Russia s post-Soviet movement from a democratic regime to an authoritarian one. In his research Mr. Person will work to place Russia on a spectrum somewhere between the binary definitions of democracy and dictatorship. His explanation of variation in regime type within Russia over time will include analysis of popular opinion toward authoritarian measures as well as the conditions that lead rulers to impose such measures. Through interviews with Russian elites and surveys among Russian citizens, Mr. Person hopes to address the levels of demand and tolerance for authoritarianism. Such an understanding will provide insight into regime transition throughout the post-Soviet region.