In this chapter, we develop the theoretical framework of the book. Specifically, we advance the concept of the Janus-faced legacies of the CPSU. On the one hand, the CPSU is seen as an example of “Communist” legacies, associated specifically with the functioning of Communist rule in Russia. On the other hand, CPSU legacies can be associated with the prevailing clientelism and patronal politics of the Communist era. CPSU legacies could be associated with the ideological loyalty of the former Communists to the party, but also (and this appears to be more likely, given the contemporary accounts) with opportunism and willingness to adjust to any political environment in order to promote one’s career. The chapter links the investigation of the book to the broader literature on historical legacies, as well as outlines the main hypotheses guiding our investigation.

This chapter’s goal is to introduce the main arguments and the concepts of the book. It formulates the research question and provides the first illustrations of the importance of CPSU legacies in Russia. It presents the logic of the subsequent investigation, the key theoretical approaches, and the main elements of methodology