Amid ever-tightening authoritarianism in Russia, it is vital that external actors support regional journalism and independent initiatives as vehicles for future democratic change. (…) A substantial number of independent and democratically focused initiatives and organisations are still active across the country, working to tackle societal issues through civic engagement. They deserve recognition and support. However, many of their activities remain under the radar and are not easily discernible from the outside. Due to the harsh political pressure they face, more politicised initiatives have curtailed their visibility or gone underground, with information about their work being shared through closed channels. This presents a challenge for anyone wishing to support or collaborate with them. Furthermore, direct backing from abroad poses a significant risk for initiatives on the Russian side. The primary assistance external actors can offer at present takes the form of tools, software, security, training and ensuring that independent Russian voices are included in discussions on global matters. It is also vital to facilitate communication and experience-sharing among regional actors inside the country. The Russian leadership will view this as a hostile move, but a stronger civil society, equipped with effective watchdogs and professional journalism, will ultimately benefit the citizens of Russia as well as its neighbours. The interference of the Russian state in Western societies serves only to sow discord and undermine the institutions that uphold democracy and the rule of law. External actors should aim to bolster processes that promote self-determination and justice for the people of Russia. (…) The Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies has produced an evidence-based report mapping the landscape of independent initiatives in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This map is dynamic and could help attune external support for this environment. The primary means of restoring a rules-based security order in Europe continues to be military, political and financial backing for Ukraine, alongside repressive measures and military deterrence against Russia’s aggressive policies. However, this additional, albeit smaller, tool should also be considered and utilised.
via rusi: How to Support What Remains of Russian Civil Society
