Civil Society
Civil society and its resilience under authoritarian pressure, in Russia and beyond: how people defend human rights and free expression, how the state works to silence them, and why independent voices and grassroots initiative still matter for a democratic future
Stoking Anxiety: How the Russian Media Covers Tensions with Ukraine
And What Ordinary Russians Think About It
2021 in review: Is there any reason for optimism?
It is hard to summarize dispassionately the results of the outgoing year 2021—it turned out to be just too turbulent. And this turbulence did not let up for even a second, even in the days running up to New Year’s Eve
2021: From Domestic Repression to Foreign Policy Ultimatums
The main political event in Russia in 2021 was the elections to the State Duma, or the lower house of parliament. On the one hand, the elections brought closure to the long period of preparation for them; on the other hand, they signified the onset of a new period in the development of Russia’s political system
Russian State Duma Election
Assessment of the Election Results
Russia post-elections
As the dust settles after the September elections into the State Duma, several important factors define the outlook for 2024, when Putin will likely seek to extend his Presidential tenure for another term—and, if in case of success, stay in power indefinitely
Russia’s growing political repressions
Over the last several months, harassment of Russia’s political opposition has intensified, with legislative elections as a clear cause. Many people have erroneously believed that once the elections were over, the repressions would ease, if not entirely disappear.
Political Repressions in Russia in 2021
2021 saw widespread political repressions across Russia
Animal Welfare in Russia
Dog owners in Russia have to make sure that their dogs don’t try to eat anything during their walks—as it is not rare to come across poisoned meat set out as baits by dog hunters
Amendments to the law on “undesirable organizations”. Highlights
On July 12, 2021, yet another amendment to the legislation on Undesirable NGOs entered into force in Russia. The changes mean that now anyone who works with an “undesirable” organization can be subject to administrative penalties
Assault on Georgia’s Pride. Western democracy Faces off with Russia’s countryside
It was shocking for Western friends of Georgia, and supporters of Georgia’s bid for membership at NATO and the EU, to learn that an angry mob in Tbilisi stormed LGBTQ activists’ centers, attacking journalists and tourists. Yet, as we saw on July 5, 2021, this is precisely the reality on the ground in the Georgian capital.