Report in Short The Kremlin's Balancing Act
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May 8, 2025 
András Tóth-Czifra, an expert on Russian regional politics, dives into the Kremlin's evolving strategy amid the ongoing war. He discusses how centralization has reshaped local governance, causing friction among regional elites who resist growing federal control. The podcast highlights the economic impacts of war on regional budgets, revealing a stark contrast in fiscal stability and challenges faced by local governments. Tóth-Czifra also underscores the implications of recent reforms, such as the abolishment of local elections, on public engagement and service delivery.
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War Accelerates Centralization
- The war accelerated existing centralization trends in Russian regional politics.
- Regional elites face new tensions due to tightened Kremlin control and limited promotion opportunities.
New Governors and Local Conflicts
- Kremlin appoints governors with federal ties or security backgrounds to control regions.
- The Kremlin pushes back local elites, creating conflicts and reducing local autonomy.
War Spurs further Centralization
- The war created anxiety about domestic stability, fueling centralization and securitization.
- Arrests and reductions in local power prevent emergence of alternative political forces.