The Impact of centralization on democracy in Russia

Aleksandra Pavlova

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The given thesis aims at analyzing the consequences of centralization policies in Russia and its impact on the quality of democracy in the country. Centralization is believed to strengthen states' political power by increasing the effectiveness of governance and proliferation of secession movements. However centralization is also very often associated with antidemocratic governance because it implies the limitation of local authorities' power which can lead to decrease of local official's responsiveness, people' participation etc. Thus there should be taken into account many factors when assessing whether the centralization policy is necessary or not.

Abstract:

The thesis aims at analyzing the consequences of centralization policies in Russia and its impact on the quality of democracy in the country. Centralization is believed to strengthen states' political power by increasing the effectiveness of governance and proliferation of secession movements. However centralization is also very often associated with antidemocratic governance because it implies the limitation of local authorities' power which can lead to decrease of local official's responsiveness, people participation etc. Thus there should be taken into account many factors when assessing whether the centralization policy is necessary or not.

Keywords

Russia, centralization, democracy

Keywords

democracy, Russia, centralization

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 24. 6. 2013

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 9. 9. 2014
• Supervisor: Jan Němec
• Reader: Petra Cibulková

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies