Energy Polarization and Popular Representation: Evidence from the Russian Duma

Theocharis N. Grigoriadis, University of California - Berkeley
Benno Torgler, Queensland University of Technology

Abstract

The article introduces the term of energy polarization to explain the politics of energy market reform in the Russian Duma. It controls for the impact of regional energy production, party cohesion and ideology, electoral mandate, on the decisions of the Duma deputies on energy bills and resolution proposals (oil, gas, and electricity) between 1994 and 2003. The existence of a strong mandate divide between SMD and PR deputies is observed. The continuously high statistical significance of gas production shows Gazprom’s key position in the post-Soviet Russian economy. Oil production is variably significant in the two first Dumas, when the main legislative debates on oil privatization occur. There is no constant left-right continuum, consistent with the deputies’ proclaimed party ideology. The pro-and anti-reform poles observed in our Poole-based single dimensional scale are not necessarily connected with liberal and state-oriented regulatory policies respectively. Party switching is a solid indicator of Russia’s polarized legislative dynamics when it comes to energy sector reform.