András Tóth-Czifra

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.

András Tóth-Czifra, a Fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, discusses the complexities of Russia's regional power dynamics amid the ongoing war. He highlights the Kremlin's tightening grip on regional politics and the resulting pushback from local elites. The conversation delves into how centralization has altered leadership structures and economic conditions across regions, creating both winners and losers. Tóth-Czifra raises concerns about the sustainability of this strategy and the potential for heightened tensions within the Russian government.