Shadow separatism: The use of regional autonomy in the Russian Federation and implications for democratic transition

The dissertation focuses on what is termed "shadow separatism" in the Russian Federation: the possible emergence of disintegrative political tendencies that are gradual and non-violent but nonetheless dangerous. It examines the nature of center-periphery relations in Russia and evaluates the impact bilateral autonomy treaties had on the long-term stability, legitimacy, and efficacy of the federal state. It uses case studies to compare this institutional explanation against ethnic and economic explanations of conflict. It concludes that democratic transitions marked by institutions providing strong decentralization and high regional autonomy relatively unchecked by federal oversight have a significant negative impact on long-term democratic consolidation, regardless of ethnic make-up or economic conditions. Importantly, the dissertation provides strong preliminary findings that such decentralization is neither essential nor necessary for the success of democratic transition, providing a compelling counter-case that has gone unnoticed within the Russian Federation itself.