ECMI Publications Database

The working paper focuses on Dagestan’s consociational political system between 1994 and 2003. It explores the research question whether Dagestan’s consociationalism can be viewed as a precursor to consociationalism in other Russian regions. In providing with the answer, the study splits into three key sections. The first part assesses consociationalism, looks at grand coalitions, the mutual veto, proportionality and autonomy. The second section then links the literature on consociationalism with the case study of Dagestan. If Dagestan’s consociational model can operate in other Russian regions, it would call into question the heretofore state-centric literature on consociationalism, the need for centralisation from the Kremlin and the use of sub-national authoritarianism for ‘clans’ to control their respective republics. The example of Dagestan could serve to help protect minorities on a regional basis within the Russian Federation and assist the creation of the underpinnings of a democratic society, culture and polity within Russia.