‘They often have to compromise’ New civic initiatives are still emerging in Russia, despite war and repression. But even pro-government groups fear state reprisals. — Meduza
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In order to survive, many Russian activists are forced to seek financial support from the state — even when they hold opposition views — according to a new report from the Hannah Arendt Research Center, which studies civil society in Russia. At the same time, repression by the authorities and widespread public apathy affect not only independent grassroots initiatives but also pro-government and pro-war groups. Meduza outlines the study’s key findings and what they reveal about the current state of activism in Russia.

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As repression in Russia intensifies, activists are showing signs of “reflexive solidarity” — even as the gap between different groups of activists continues to grow, according to a new report from the Hannah Arendt Research Center.

Reflexive solidarity emerges when people rally behind those who suffer injustice, even if they don’t share common interests or values. It implies a readiness to help those considered outside one’s own circle. “When one consciously transcends the friend-or-foe boundary, disagreements lose their disintegrating character and instead become a characteristic of the connections between people,” the researchers wrote.

Russian activists who practice this form of solidarity tend to resist hierarchical structures and are more inclined to come together through anger and outrage at situations they view as unjust.

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At the same time, the study highlighted a widening divide between activists who have left Russia and those who have stayed behind. The split plays out in financial, informational, and visa-related issues, and increasingly in cultural ones as well. According to the researchers, exiled activists tend to place greater trust in fellow exiles than in those still inside the country.

Inequality within Russia itself further deepens the rift. Financial, educational, and other resources for activism remain heavily concentrated in Moscow and other major cities.

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