The Fundamental Law: Constitutional Theory and Russian Practice

What is the role of a constitution in the lives of individuals, society, and the state? Why do constitutions matter, how do they come into being, and what makes them effective? And how can they serve as a safeguard against authoritarianism?
In The Fundamental Law, constitutional scholar Elena Lukyanova explores these questions through both constitutional theory and the Russian experience. The book examines how constitutions are drafted, the principles of constitutional design, and the conditions necessary for constitutional systems to function in practice. It also discusses constitutional identity, defensive constitutionalism, and the major trends shaping constitutionalism in the modern world.
Particular attention is devoted to Russia's constitutional history, the concepts of sovereignty and constitutional identity, the risks posed by authoritarian rule, and the constitutional order the country may need in the future. By combining legal theory with an analysis of Russian constitutional practice, the book offers a timely reflection on the relationship between constitutional governance, democracy, and the rule of law

Elena Lukyanova. The Fundamental Law: Constitutional Theory and Russian Practice. — Riga: Free University Press, 2026.
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