From External Success to Internal Collapse: The Case of Democratic Russia
Author(s)
Flikke, Geir
Abstract
Draws on the literature on resource mobilization to explore why Democratic Russia, an umbrella movement of political parties, failed. It is contended that (1) all movement organizations pursue consolidation after achieving the initial aim of mobilization and (2) although a movement may be victorious, the control of incentives may be an overriding priority for those who start movement seeking political change. In this light, it is argued that the migration of opportunities undid the organizational dynamics of the movement. A look at the 1991 election reveals the precipitous fall of Democratic Russia, which was riven with rivalries and infighting. The Movement for Democratic Reform, which hoped to transform Democratic Russia into a pro-presidential party, is then looked at as an example of oligarchization. How this backfired among the rank and file of the Democratic Party of Russia is described, along with the failure of internal oligarchization in the United Democratic Party.
