Can grassroots organisations and NGOs substitute for the State in Russia? A review of the literature and suggestions for a future research agenda

Sergej Ljubownikow, Jo Crotty, Peter Rodgers

Research output: Preprint or Working paperWorking paper

Abstract

The paper investigates the relationship between civil society and the state. Using the unique lens of the state-substitution (the process whereby civil society organisations take on government roles) the paper reviews the literature and highlights three key issues: - Civil society is weak in Russia and its contribution to democracy development is limited - The Russian State has be withdrawing from its responsibilities to care for its citizens, leaving a field of opportunity for civil society organisations. - The state has subsequently began to encroach on civil society organisations mainly through the use of legislative changes and government sponsored organisations These trends have far reaching implications for civil society organisations, in particular those which take up or take over government roles and responsibilities. The literary evidence shows that the Russian state leverages its political power into the sphere of civil society similar to how it regained control over the economy in the early 2000s. This Russian variant of civil society attributes the state as a key player in all societal spheres.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationBirmingham
PublisherAston University
ISBN (Print)9781854497529
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2009

Bibliographical note

RP0912

Keywords

  • civil society
  • Russia
  • NGOs
  • sState-substitution

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Can grassroots organisations and NGOs substitute for the State in Russia? A review of the literature and suggestions for a future research agenda'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this