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The Political Economy of the COVID-19 Response in Autocracies: Evidence from the Russian Regions

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  • Nikita Khokhlov

Abstract

Building on the blame avoidance and the principal–agent theoretical frameworks, I argue that during the COVID-19 pandemic, autocratic elites remained primarily driven by their career concerns, largely defined by the interests of the autocrat, rather than the public interest. This had implications for public health policies. Specifically, studying the behaviour of Russia’s governors, I demonstrate that the proximity of voting on constitutional amendments, concerns over gubernatorial elections and governors’ political influence explain the severity of public health policy measures in the regions. The findings have implications for the literature on elite behaviour, public policy in autocracies and public responses to pandemics.

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  • Nikita Khokhlov, 2025. "The Political Economy of the COVID-19 Response in Autocracies: Evidence from the Russian Regions," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 77(6), pages 977-999, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ceasxx:v:77:y:2025:i:6:p:977-999
    DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2025.2512121
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