Intergovernmental Reforms in the Russian Federation: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?

This study represents the most comprehensive review of fiscal federalism in the Russian Federation, presenting a strong case for greater decentralization. Given its vast size, immense diversity including economic, geographic, cultural, ethnic, and historical differences across regions Russia is a prime candidate for decentralization. In this work, De Silva et al make a strong case for greater decentralization in Russia based not only on the traditional economic benefits of fiscal federalism but also on the political benefits from local government competition.