Abstract

This article examines the evolution of liberalism in post-Soviet Russia from the early 1990s to the 2020s and its current perception in Russian society. During the Soviet era, ideological analysis was constrained, leading to a diverse and inconsistent understanding of liberalism after the collapse of the USSR. Liberalism re-emerged during the perestroika era, developing into a distinctly Russian variant. While academics explored its historical and ideological foundations, political figures like Anatoly Chubais and Yegor Gaidar championed liberalism to advocate for economic reforms. Methodically, this study explores key concepts within Russian liberalism, including individual freedom, a market economy, and the rule of law. The notion of freedom, central to Russian liberalism, evolved from the concept of negative freedom. Economic freedom emerged as a cornerstone, emphasizing free markets, entrepreneurship, and property rights. Although justice was less central, it featured in discussions about legal equality and fairness, contrasting sharply with Soviet egalitarianism. Russian liberals promoted economic reforms and privatization as pathways to achieving equality of opportunity, despite criticisms regarding growing societal inequality. By providing a comprehensive exploration of the ideological evolution of Russian liberalism, the article highlights the persistent challenges and varied interpretations that shape its role in contemporary Russian society and politics.