On November 27, 2024, CABT hosted an event where scholars presented findings on the transformation of Russian civil society since 2022 and its current state. Experienced think tank analysts provided insights on the prospects of EU support for these initiatives.
While European politicians, experts, and media often focus on anti-war opposition figures abroad, the situation inside Russia raises pressing questions: Is civil society still alive in Russia? Or is it already gone? Researchers studying Russian civil society since 2022 argue that it is far from dead. Despite facing immense challenges, many independent, democratically oriented initiatives and organizations continue to operate within the country. These groups remain largely invisible due to security concerns, but their contributions are crucial and deserve recognition and support. Experts warned that the time to support anti-war civil society in Russia “is now”, as political pressure threatens their survival.
Speakers
Dr. Ekaterina Kalinina, an associate Professor at the Institute for Media Studies at Stockholm University; Principal researcher in the research project of Russian activism realized by the Södertorn University and CISR - Berlin
Dr. Irina Meyer-Olimpieva, Research professor IERES, Russia Program, George Washington University
Anna Kalinina, PhD candidate and researcher at the Institute of Sociology and Cultural Organization Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany.
Commentator
Stefan Ingvarsson, analyst at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS).
Moderator
Dr. Elena Stein, NGO and civil society entrepreneur, Director of the CISR - Berlin
