Local administration in the 1930-1950s: self-government or self-will? (an example of resort development)

The article puts forward the issue of defining methods and forms of local government and distribution of power in the Soviet Union. The focus is on the Soviet administrative system (1930s-1950s) which is analyzed on the basis of the special nature of conflicts within the system. The author analyzes the circumstances under which Moscow perceived local administrative practices as correct initiative or wrong arbitrariness, perverting the right directives; as well as the level of central authorities' control and the local authorities' perception of this control. The article presents a case study of resort construction in two regions: Sochi and Perm.