9402548 Colton This the quality-control portion of a major study of the Russian legislative elections, sending scientifically-trained monitors to the areas in the Russian Federation where surveys are administered to random samples of voters. Not only does their work greatly increase the scientific quality of the data collected, but it also provides valid measures of the variable quality of data from one research site to another. The resulting data set will offer deep understanding of the processes of democratization and radicalization currently in progress in Russia. For example, the survey collects rich data about the individual and social characteristics that lead to support for the competing political parties. %%% This research will test competing theories of the factors that promote or impede transition from authoritarian to democratic systems of government, and of the social courses of political radicalism. If the United States is to navigate successfully the ocean of problems and opportunities that lie ahead in its relations with Russia and other nations of the former Soviet Union, we will need far more complete and accurate scientific information than currently exists about the factors that facilitate or destroy democracy. In addition, this grant will strengthen ties between American social scientists and their colleagues in Russia. ***
