Interaction of Local Authorities in Small Russian Cities: Pressure, Manipulation, Bargaining?
The aim of the study was to analyse the accumulated models of the interactions between the executive and legislative branches of the governments of two small cities and one district in Russia. The results are based on empirical research (34 in-depth interviews with key figures, including government and business experts). Three models of interaction (“bargaining or temporising”, “hidden manipulation”, and having one's “own man in the right place”) are described in this paper. This study suggests that coalitions between the executive and legislative branches have been created to solve tactical problems. These coalitions are not necessarily meant by their members to bring long-term benefits. Urban policy, which is usually formed under the influence of short-term interests, can be quite turbulent despite the inertia of existing political institutions. This fact is the result of the lack of strategic coalitions between two branches.