Suchergebnisse

The most important achievements in early post-Soviet Russia were the creation of a federal system & the establishment of scheduled elections. However, federalism in Russia substitutes rhetoric for reality with regard to many substantive elements of Western federalism. It is more a decorative ritual than a democratic function. This chapter examines the roots of Russian federalism, as far back as the 11th century, & its development in the post-Soviet era. It is concluded that Vladimir Putin does not want a system of political pluralism or development of grassroots parties. His vision for Russia is one of a vertical, not horizontal, chain of command, with a strong national police presence in control at the regional level. Figures. J. Stanton

Discusses issues such as power sharing, social diversity, economic, financial, and social policy, intergovernmental relations, and emerging levels of government; international perspective; 19 articles.

Discusses the vicissitudes of Australian federalism. The history of the federation is briefly traced in terms of developments in federalism across various spheres. It is argued that the challenge is to approach federalism in a manner that recognizes constitutional realities but does not hinge on wishful thinking regarding the sort of political consensus extant in emergencies. Further, issues should be considered in terms of whether they are amenable to government intervention rather than which level of government is responsible for them. State finance is looked at in this light, along with labor law & the pursuit of a national workplace relations system. In the final analysis, it is contended that Australia must come first & that what might be good for one state should not automatically be seen as good for the nation. J. Zendejas

Der Schweizer Politologe gewährt mit seinem Beitrag einen Einblick in die komplexe Problematik der durch nationalistische und separatistische Tendenzen (Baltikum, Ukraine, Zentralasien usw.) ausgelösten bzw. verstärkten Bemühungen um eine Neugliederung der föderativen Strukturen der UdSSR. Der Autor beschreibt die diesbezüglichen politischen Zielvorstellungen Gorbatschows, skizziert aber zugleich die zwischen Zentrale und Republiken kontrovers diskutierten Fragen hinsichtlich der Erneuerung des Unionsvertrages (Alternativmodelle Föderation/Konföderation; Gefahr der Sezession) und der unions- bzw. föderationsinternen Macht- und Kompetenzverteilung (Frage des Territoritaleigentums, der politischen und wirtschaftlichen Autonomie, der Zuständigkeit auf außenpolitischem und militärischem Sektor; Frage der Konfliktregelungsmechanismen).(BIOst-Gsh)