This thesis explores the processes and consequences of decentering the state in the Russian federation and the effects on local government. The methodology employed draws from the literature on decentralization, local government, political transitions and Russian Federalism and intergovernmental affairs. The study focuses on how Russia's regions between 1991 to 1995 were able to wrestle significant power and authority from the centre. It is argued that decentralization has increased the power and autonomy of the regional governments, while Russia's local governments have been left with few resources to administer the services downloaded to them. A case study of the Sakha Republic and the City of Yakutsk is employed to both demonstrate the increased role of regional administrations in post-Soviet Russian society, and to determine the degree of decentralization to the local level. A study of two housing projects is used to examine the effectiveness of regional and local decision-making and the delivery of services. The thesis concludes that the level of power delegated to Russia's local government, where responsibility for day to day administration is most salient, may serve as an indication of the overall level of reform in the Russian state.
In 2011, several Middle Eastern and North African countries rose up in defiance against their governments, an event popularly known as the Arab Spring. The Arab Spring held hopes for liberal and democratic transition in these countries. Egypt in particular was very optimistic about a potential transition to a liberal democracy. This thesis examines the period of time leading up to the deposal of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's former president, and the three years following. This thesis will review the events and parties involved in Egypt's transition and the role these groups played. Furthermore, the Egyptian transition will be examined using Alfred Stepan and Juan Linz' model that states all transition occurs in five distinct arenas. This thesis will conclude that the optimistic view taken by many regarding Egypt's transition was premature and that Egypt has regressed to a previous governmental model. --Leaf ii.
This thesis explores how the decentralization of control over Russia's oil and natural gas resources is shaping Russian federalism. A political-economic methodology is employed that draws from literature on decentralization, federalism, intergovernmental relations in the Russian Federation, and the Russian oil and gas sector. The study focuses on how and why some of Russia's regions have secured relatively more autonomy from the centre. It is argued that under Russia's asymmetrical brand of federalism, regions with the administrative status of "autonomous republic" and natural resource-rich regions have been able to build stronger bases of regional power and authority because they are negotiating from positions of strength in intergovernmental relations. Autonomous republics have been delegated legal and political-administrative powers that the rest of Russia's regions simply do not possess. The distribution of control over Russia's abundant oil and gas resources has changed since the collapse of the Soviet Union and, though there has been some decentralization in the oil and gas sector, the Russian government retains decisive influence in these strategic industries. The other main beneficiaries of oil and gas development are the producing regions, a significant improvement from Soviet times to be sure. Examinations of the Sakha Republic (Y akutia) and Tyumen' Oblast, including the autonomous okrugs of Khanty-Mansiisk and Yamal-Nenets, demonstrate both the importance of republic status, and the political power derived from natural resource wealth. The thesis concludes that the push for Russian "federalization" will continue to be led by republics and resource-rich regions, and that Russian federalism is attainable as long as asymmetries do not become overly acute.
