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Russia: new research shows even authoritarian regimes struggle to pass laws
- When we think of parliaments in non-democratic states, we often think of a room full of raised hands.
This compelling image of unanimity conveys a simple idea: that these assemblies are stuffed with loyal servants of the ruling elite.
- Ben Noble
- The Conversation
Rather than scrutinise, challenge, amend, and block initiatives from the government, they provide guaranteed support.
Rather than act as a check on executive power, they provide symbolic, merely ceremonial approval.
Or that’s how the conventional wisdom goes.
There is evidence, however, that jars against this “rubber stamp” image.
In a new research paper, I…