Examining autonomy in the Russian Federation, Matthew Crosston ascertains how the regional use of bilateral autonomy treaties has influenced the long-term stability, legitimacy and efficacy of the state. The study challenges some long-accepted conclusions about democratization and the devolution of power, advancing into new international arenas Riker and Dahl"s relatively-ignored theoretical concerns that decentralized federations are ineffective and disintegrative while centralized federations are consolidating. Scholars of Russian politics, democratization, ethnic conflict, comparative intergovernmental relations and development will find this book particularly stimulating.