Economic Development and Subsidies in the North Caucasus

Moscow’s “Strategy” for the North Caucasus was yet another attempt by the federal center to reduce political discontent and economic marginalization in the region. The document did little to change the status quo, and has failed to adequately address the foundational problems plaguing the region such as corruption and violence. Five years on, some call for Moscow to divest itself of the North Caucasus, itself a course of action that could bring into question the viability of the Russian state.