Business in the Power Structure of Small Russian Towns

This article is based on the outcomes of a research project conducted in five small Russian towns. In all the communities, big business had significant power potential, but its direct involvement in local politics was limited since the 'power vertical' instituted under Putin meant that decisions on the most important local issues were made at regional and federal levels. Small and medium-sized businesses were also not actively involved in local politics. Unlike big business, however, they were more vulnerable to and dependent on local administrations. Relations between local authorities and business actors seemed close and cooperative; however, their interactions often had no civic component and were based almost exclusively on mutual interest.