Andras Toth-Czifra finds that the Russian government’s plans to economically boost its Far Eastern regions are on shaky foundations
Andras Toth-Czifra reflects on why the Kremlin’s habit of appointing outsider technocrats to local positions might have peaked
Andras Toth-Czifra investigates the central government’s latest attempts to stamp its authority over any excessively strong-minded municipal authorities
Andras Toth-Czifra analyses how Russia’s federal budget will give more money to the military at the cost of everyone else, while placing huge burdens on regional budgets
Andras Toth-Czifra warns that the war in Ukraine is upsetting the power balance between regions, municipalities, local elites, and the federal bureaucracy
Andras Toth-Czifra reflects on how Russia’s regional economies withstood major economic pressure in 2022, and how there could be harsher tests to come in 2023
Andras Toth-Czifra looks at how the mounting economic and social cost of Russia’s war with Ukraine leaves the Kremlin facing some irresolvable domestic policy choices
Andras Toth-Czifra investigates how the Kremlin is gearing up to outflank and intimidate opposition parties at September’s elections
Russia’s self-inflicted economic crisis has only just started, writes Andras Toth-Czifra. As the next few months unfold, Russia’s centralised governance will be tested to its limits
Andras Toth-Czifra explains why canceling the September elections is a tough choice for the Russian government
Andras Toth-Czifra explains how so many Russian cities have fallen short of previous visions for urban renewal
Andras Toth-Czifra reports on recent grassroots attempts to stage regional ecological referenda and looks into how these are affecting power dynamics in Russia