Review by Choice Review
Center-periphery relations in postcommunist regimes have been identified as both an important source and an indicator of democratization. Consequently, they have attracted much attention in scholarly work. This volume focuses on two dimensions of center-periphery relations: the development of federalism in the Russian Federation and the emergence of regional and local autonomy in the unitary states of Ukraine, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, and Central Asia. The volume makes a number of contributions to understanding the linkages between center-periphery relations and democracy. Each case study explores the emergence, development, and limits of federalism or local autonomy; each also provides useful insight into strategies that have been deployed. The two editors contribute introductory chapters for each of the major sections in which they identify criteria for determining the conditions of viable federalism and regional and local politics. They also provide two concluding chapters for each section, summarizing and assessing the patterns of development that emerge in their case studies. This approach provides unity. The conclusions, based on patterns identified in the case studies, indicate a mixed record and leave open the question as to whether evolving relations will contribute to lasting stability and democracy. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above. D. V. Schwartz University of Toronto
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
