Russia vs The United Kingdom: Citizens, Society, and the State

1. Political Paticipation

1.1. UK: Voter turnout in UK elections is around 65%

1.2. Russia: Citizens forced to vote for communist candidate during Soviet rule with near 100% voting rate, rates have now decreased to about 70% but with more choice at the polls

2. Civil Society

2.1. Russian involvement in civil society is relatively low.

2.2. In the UK there are many organizations with high participation rates

3. Cleavages

3.1. Social Class

3.2. Religion

3.2.1. Russia: Many non-believers and non-practice believes as well as a mix of Russian Orthodox and Muslim practitioners.

3.2.2. UK

3.3. Nationality

3.3.1. UK: Relatively homogeneous with a few geographical divides.

3.3.2. Russia: Relatively homogeneous with a few geographical divides.

4. Beliefs and Attitudes

4.1. UK: The United Kingdom generally trusts its government

4.2. Russians have a deep mistrust for their government but an ironic longing for powerful leaders.

5. Youth Group

5.1. UK: Youth organizations in the UK are primarily private organizations based on charity

5.2. Russia: Youth Groups (mainly Nashi) is government run and very political.