Power Dynamics in Center-Regional-Local Relations in Russia in Times of the War Against Ukraine

• In Event: The Politics of Russia’s War Machine

Abstract

The stability of the center-regional-local relations in Russia is one of the main pillars of the
country’s resilience in times of the war against Ukraine. While the general mechanics of this
system remained unchanged since the beginning of the war, nevertheless, some shifts are still
noticeable. Importantly, these shifts are multidirectional. In relations between Moscow and
the regions, extreme political centralization is combined with considerable freedom of
maneuver for regional governors in other spheres. The demands of war have compelled the
Kremlin to delegate increased responsibilities and resources to regional administrations, thus
making the Kremlin more dependent upon the governors. The regional governors are
expanding their social patronage over the population. At the same time, the reform of local
self-government being carried out by the federal authorities puts local authorities under the
full control of regional administrations. As regional powers strengthen and local governments
weaken, this shift in power dynamics has further discouraged public involvement in local
affairs, as regional authorities increasingly overshadow local decision-making processes.

Author

• Irina Busygina, Harvard U