Efficiency of the state's “manual” management. Challenges of 2020

The following materials logically continue the chief editor’s article «Another Step towardV. Putin’s “Long State”», which was published in the previous issue of the journal “Economic and Social Changes: Facts, Trends, Forecast” (no.1, 2020). Basics of a new Russian statehood, which the President has been building for the last 20 years, are tested by epidemiological and socio-economic crises, caused by COVID-19 pandemic, and the drop of oil prices. Efficiency of the state’s “manual” management, which V. Putin has been implementing during all his presidential terms, is also going through challenges. The author’s position on the development of the political situation in the country, based on the analysis of facts, statistical data, results of population’s sociological surveys, and experts’ assessments, proceeds from the fact that, in a current difficult situation, the President personally (publicly, attracting expert community and general population) get “ahead of the curve” to maintain stability and provide conditions for the long-term implementation of the prospective political course of the country’s development. Such actions include timely initiation of the large-scale discussion and the adoption of the respective law on amending the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the provision of the ensured opportunity to continue national-oriented development course for the next 15 years at least. Thus, despite force majeure global circumstances and complicated domestic situation, the President takes steps aimed at the preservation and strengthening of the Russian statehood in the future. It once again shows the historical role of V. Putin and allows us to expect with cautious optimism the Russia’s “withdrawal” from the current situation without, at least, losses for national security and competitiveness while keeping prospects for further sustainable development.