Regional developments in Russia: territorial fragmentation in a consolidating authoritarian state

The article looks at the the regional developments of Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, focusing on how territories have become fragmented. Implications for the political and economic futures of the country are considered. The center-regional dynamics and hyper-federalism of Russia during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin provides a context for the regional reform agenda of Vladimir Putin's presidency. The local government reforms and federalism of Putin are detailed. The author also comments on the implications of post-communist federal developments on Russia's social and economic cohesion.