Tinkuev Magomed-Zagid

The article examines the theoretical and legal basis of local self-government in Russia, as well as its particular features of development in the Republic of Dagestan. The author’s analysis covers a range of topics, including institutional, socio-economic, and financial challenges, the evolution of reforms in recent years, options for organizational models (single-tier, two-tier, mixed), as well as strategies for digital transformation and public engagement. The study pays special attention to providing financial support to local self-government and offering practical recommendations for increasing local budget revenue. The article outlines the key distinctions between the Federal Law «On the General Principles of Local Self- Government in the Russian Federation» (2003) and the Federal Law «On General Principles of Local Self- Government in a Unified System of Public Authority» (2025), as well as changes that took place when the two-tier model gave way to the single-tier model. The Republic of Dagestan faces specific challenges in local self-government due to its multinational population of more than thirty ethnic groups, historical forms of communal self-government (jamaats), mountainous geography, and high proportion of rural areas. In such circumstances, the organizational design, financial base, and personnel stability of municipalities are critical aspects in ensuring socioeconomic stability.

The article looks at the problem of interethnic relations in polyethnic communities and suggests measures for its solution. Special focus is on the process of resocialization of ethnic institutes and groups as a prerequisite for the unity and integrity of the Russian state.