It is the changes of Russia’s political system at the new stage of its development, that are considered in the article. What is analyzed in detail, are, in particular, liberal-pluralistic innovations in the power party, aimed at increasing its influence in society and at acquiring qualities of the «dominant» party. Further, the thesis is argumented that notwithstanding the deep crisis of the opposition and its disruption, the issue of forming an opposition capable of functioning not only remains in the order of the day, but is becoming ever more topical. On the solution of this question, stresses the author, the vector of Russia’s sociopolitical development in the nearest future will depend. To a perspective of authoritarian «party-state» he contraposes the alternative of «constructive convergence», e.g. of combining traditional Russian social-paternalistic with Western liberal-market elements. By the way, the option of one of the above alternatives depends first of all on the priorities by which the country’s political and economic elite and the highest officials of the state will be guided.