United Russia

The Russian United Russia political party, often seen as the principal political force in Russia, is a conservative political entity that has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's political landscape since its inception in 2001. Emerging from the merger of the Unity and the Fatherland-All Russia parties, United Russia has been closely associated with the leadership of Vladimir Putin, under whose influence the party has solidified its position as the dominant political organization in Russia.

United Russia's values and policies are broadly conservative, emphasizing…   stability, strong centralized leadership, and the restoration of Russia's status as a major global power. The party advocates for a robust state role in the economy, seeking to balance market reforms with the need for social welfare programs to support the less affluent segments of society. This approach reflects the party's commitment to maintaining social harmony and addressing the disparities that emerged in the wake of the Soviet Union's dissolution.

Nationalism is a core component of United Russia's ideology. The party promotes the idea of a strong, unified Russian state and often champions policies that assert Russia's sovereignty and independence on the world stage. This has included support for the government's actions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as a general resistance to Western influence in what it considers its sphere of influence.

United Russia also places a significant emphasis on traditional values, aligning itself with the Russian Orthodox Church on social issues. It has taken conservative stances on matters such as LGBTQ+ rights and gender roles, advocating for policies that it believes protect the moral fabric of Russian society. This alignment with traditional values is seen as a way to consolidate the party's base among more conservative segments of the population.

In governance, United Russia has been criticized for its role in the centralization of power and the erosion of democratic institutions in Russia. The party has been instrumental in passing legislation that strengthens the executive branch, limits political competition, and restricts the activities of non-governmental organizations. Critics argue that these measures have undermined political pluralism and freedom of expression in Russia.

Despite these criticisms, United Russia has maintained a dominant position in Russian politics, benefiting from the support of the state media and the administrative resources at its disposal. Its electoral success is also attributed to the genuine support it receives from segments of the population that prioritize stability and national pride, and who credit the party for Russia's resurgence on the world stage after the tumultuous post-Soviet 1990s.