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Decentralization, Fiscal Structure, and Local State Capacity in Late-Imperial Russia

In: Economic History of Warfare and State Formation

Author

Listed:
  • Steven Nafziger

    (Williams College)

Abstract

Investments in the fiscal, legal, and infrastructural “capacity” of the state have come to be seen as key determinants of economic development. Central authorities may make these investments, but local public sector institutions also play a role in building state capacity. This chapter examines the interaction between central and local capacity in the context of Tsarist Russia after the end of serfdom. We describe the structure of local government and, drawing on a variety of new sources, provide preliminary evidence on the extent of capacity building by various public sector actors. Our findings are suggestive of a particularly rich interaction between central authorities and decentralized institutions at the local level when it comes to providing public goods and services. We argue that interpretations of early modern and modern state building are remiss if they focus exclusively on the central government without considering the importance of locally determined efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Nafziger, 2016. "Decentralization, Fiscal Structure, and Local State Capacity in Late-Imperial Russia," Studies in Economic History, in: Jari Eloranta & Eric Golson & Andrei Markevich & Nikolaus Wolf (ed.), Economic History of Warfare and State Formation, pages 73-101, Springer.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:stechp:978-981-10-1605-9_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1605-9_3
    as

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