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Russia’s centralized authoritarianism in the disguise of democratic federalism: Evidence from the September 2017 sub-national elections

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  • Grigorii V Golosov

Abstract

While formally a federation that vests significant powers in the sub-national bodies of government and leaves it for its federal units and municipalities to decide who will govern them by conducting elections, the Russian Federation is effectively a centralized authoritarian state. This paper uses evidence from the September 2017 sub-national elections in Russia to examine the role of formal political institutions in sustaining the country’s political regime. The analysis shows that the political domination of the pro-government party over the regional political assemblies is sustained by a complex combination of party regulations and electoral rules. In particular, gubernatorial elections are organized and conducted in a way that ensures the victories of the incumbent governors who are effectively appointed by the president of Russia.

Suggested Citation

  • Grigorii V Golosov, 2018. "Russia’s centralized authoritarianism in the disguise of democratic federalism: Evidence from the September 2017 sub-national elections," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 21(3), pages 231-248, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intare:v:21:y:2018:i:3:p:231-248
    DOI: 10.1177/2233865918789521
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