Federalism

Abstract

This edition assesses contemporary federal relations in Russia. Firstly, Carolina De Stefano considers Kremlin-governor relations, noting that the center’s latest response to its dilemma about how to exert control over the regions without undermining their stability is a combination of technocratic management and a stronger official anti-elite and anti-corruption line. Secondly, Angela Di Gregorio suggests that several features of Russia’s federal system have continued for centuries and remain in place today, chiefly those of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thirdly, Andrey Starodubtsev argues that the influence of regional bureaucracies undermines the impact of federal tools and measures aimed at advancing regional economic development, and that Russia’s powerful presidency has not made addressing this obstacle a priority.