St. Petersburg and the Decline of Local Self-Government in Post-Soviet Russia

Abstract

An expert on Russian politics examines the development of regional political institutions in St. Petersburg, comparing them with those of other regions of Russia. Asking whether St. Petersburg is a "delegative democracy," and whether democratic institutions have taken root in the city, the author examines five areas: the way chief executives have been chosen; the nature of the legislature and its relations with the executive branch; the effectiveness of political parties; the degree of independence of the media; and the relationship of local politics and the federal government.