Publication

This report discusses the political, economic and social developments in Chechnya since Ramzan Kadyrov took power in 2007. More specifically, the authors focus on 1) Kadyrov's rise to power, including how he dealt with other powerful actors and the insurgency in Chechnya to establish his control in the republic; 2) Kadyrov's ideology and religious policy; 3) the state of the Chechen economy and corruption; and 4) the rule of law in the republic. They argue that Chechnya is an exception in Russia in the degree is has autonomy in areas such as security, tax, law and foreign relations. However, they also suggests that despite appearances, this arrangement has not resolved the insurgency in Chechnya and that stability is fragile in the republic, partly because it relies too much on the relationship between Kadyrov and Vladimir Putin.