Devolution, Constitutional Development, and the Russian North

Abstract

A Canadian political scientist examines a broad range of issues and problems associated with the de facto devolution of decision-making power and legal authority from the Russian Federation government to the oblasts, krays, and autonomous okrugs of the Russian North. Current changes (devolution, constitutional development, regional and local political development) are examined within the context of the legacy of the Soviet system (asymmetrical federalism, developed regional/local/titular bureaucracies, and centralized bodies directing and supporting Northern development). Specific examples from the Sakha Republic and Chukchi Okrug, based on interviews and field observations, are used to illustrate basic premises. 1 map, 27 references.