Russia’s Rickety Far Eastern Development Plans

Andras Toth-Czifra finds that the Russian government’s plans to economically boost its Far Eastern regions are on shaky foundations

Twilight of the Varangians? Changing Trends of Regional Appointments

Andras Toth-Czifra reflects on why the Kremlin’s habit of appointing outsider technocrats to local positions might have peaked

The Kremlin’s Problem with Cities

Andras Toth-Czifra investigates the central government’s latest attempts to stamp its authority over any excessively strong-minded municipal authorities

Russia’s tense 2024 finances

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

The limits of centralization

Andras Toth-Czifra warns that the war in Ukraine is upsetting the power balance between regions, municipalities, local elites, and the federal bureaucracy

The uneasy mobilization of the regions

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

Russia 2023: An Irresolvable New Year

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

Elections in wartime: why the September votes matter

Andras Toth-Czifra investigates how the Kremlin is gearing up to outflank and intimidate opposition parties at September’s elections

Russia’s Beleaguered Wartime Federalism

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

Will Russia cancel its next elections?

Andras Toth-Czifra explains why canceling the September elections is a tough choice for the Russian government

The awkward renewal of Russia’s cities

Andras Toth-Czifra explains how so many Russian cities have fallen short of previous visions for urban renewal

Russia’s (cancelled) ecological referenda

Andras Toth-Czifra reports on recent grassroots attempts to stage regional ecological referenda and looks into how these are affecting power dynamics in Russia

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