Attitudes toward democracy among Russian publics and elites.

New Russia Barometer surveys from 2004 and 2007 together with Russian Foreign Policy Elites survey 2004 indicate that Russian elites and masses are rather similar in their opinion of democracy. Only representatives of the executive branch and the military are less supportive of democratic ideals. Improved state of economy, both for individuals and the country, make people feel more content with democracy. But a pessimistic outlook (affiliated with a lack of control or responsibility over one's life) leads to dissatisfaction with democracy. If the government focuses on curtailing corruption to build public trust in state institutions instead of focusing on the state itself under the banner of 'sovereign democracy;' if the masses and elites become further informed about democratic ideas; if people take responsibility and see opportunities in life, then democracy will succeed in Russia. Both democratically-minded and democratically-active population is needed. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]