Social Policy and Societal Change: The Moscow Housing Renovation Program - Regina Smyth (12.2.21)

The introduction of an expansive housing reform in Moscow in 2017–the destruction and replacement of Khrushchev-era five story buildings–reflected a new form of consultative policy processes that demand state-society interaction. Similar policy interactions in democratic systems have led to increase in social capital and pro-social norms. In authoritarian contexts, they are a mechanism to win social support. The findings presented by Dr. Regina Smyth (Indiana University)have important implications for new state initiatives to extend the housing program across the Federation and push urbanization as the central mechanism to win societal support.