Russia—Civil Society?

By Caryn Yarnot

Graduate Student, Ferris State University - Grand Rapids Campus

Definition

To understand if Russia is or isn’t a civil society, a definition of civil society must be determined.  But first, an understanding that “the creation of civil society underpins democracy” must be acknowledged (Hudson 2003).  James Richter writes “civil society refers to an overlapping network of civic associations that binds a population into a society autonomous of the state” (Richter 1998, 1).  He also states that “the third sector is an integral part of civil society but is not identical to it.  Whereas civil society encompasses all formal and informal associations, the third sector refers more specifically to the formal, functionally differentiated and frequently professional non-profit organizations that interact with state and market actors” (Richter 1998, 1). 

Historic Roots

Historically, Russia has never had a working civil society, but efforts since the 1990’s have been made to establish a civil society that is similar to that of America’s civil society.  “While this may sound like a Western-style system, the activists say the new rules of engagement simply mask a partnership between government and business aimed at rapid economic development regardless of environmental costs”  (Weir 2002, 1).

In Russia’s recent history, the definition and existence of democracy has been questioned.  Putin, Russia’s current leader, has been scrutinized by Russians who want to make a difference through non-profit organizations to improve their civil society.  “Civil society is alive in Russia, but that is despite the efforts of the state, not thanks to them”, says Boris Makarenko.  (Weir 2002, 1)

Russians believe that Putin has created road blocks for non-profit organizations in order to manage where the money goes in Russia.  Recent articles about Russia’s society claim Russia has a “managed democracy” in which Putin controls the laws and constitution by manipulating the laws to benefit himself and the business owners in Russia while diminishing the non-profit organizations that are established (Glasser, 2004).

Importance

Throughout history, Russia has had a long fight to create a civil society that operates from within its own country.  Individuals and businesses have funded non-profit organizations in hopes to encourage Russians to participate in their own philanthropic endeavors.  However, “the bottom line, according to activists and their international funders, is that Russians simply haven’t stepped in to foster major philanthropic and activist work and are almost certain not to do so in the wake of Khodorkovsky’s arrest, which was interpreted here as a warning to avoid politicized activities”  (Glasser 2004, 1).

Activists are fighting to protect the non-profit sector in Russia, but with little to no help from Putin.  Many Russians are aware of Putin’s advances to demolish their civil society.  “Putin declared war on Russia’s civil society.  Our duty is to give it resources for self-defense”, states Berezovsky (Glasser 2004, 1).  Arseny Roginski claims “the government has already taken under control the mass media, parliament and many other independent structures, and this is a step to attack our independence and a desire to take us under control” (Glasser 2004, 1).  Examples such as these are the very reasons for questioning whether or not Russia is truly a civil society. 

Ties to the Philanthropic Sector

Some have declared that the non-profit sector in Russa has rapidly become an active part of society (Allavida 2002).  With many conflicting sources, it becomes difficult to know what is truly happening within the government and its people concerning the non-profit sector and philanthropy.  The governmental books show growth in this area, while Russian locals profess the truth is hidden from the public through Putin’s push for his own agenda to increase business and profit behind the scenes.

Philanthropy in Russia has had some success regardless of Putin’s extended efforts to stop any groups to receive money or aide from Russians or any other group outside of Russia.  Depending on who is asked, philanthropy is mostly supported by business adventures.  However, activists are still struggling to compete with businesses to participate in philanthropic acts.  The foundation, Open Russia, is one such organization who is still fighting behind the scenes.  

Key Related Ideas

Business giving is the main source of giving in Russia.  Businesses provide money through grant programs, competition for funding and corporate foundations.  Examples of these groups include Gasprom and Lukoil.

Individual donations are considered to be one of the smallest percentages of philanthropy in Russia.  Due to the economic situation, tax benefits, and the lack of understanding, Russians have not expanded on this form of giving. 

Foundations, also known as charitable foundations, are permitted in the Russian society.  There are not many rules for setting up a foundation, although there must be some type of capital. 

Important People Related to the Topic

Vladimir Potanin (1961–present ):  Potanin is the creator of Interross Holding  and founder of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation which provides scholarships for Russian students who are interested in becoming leaders in Russia.

Vladimir Putin (1952–present ):  Putin is Russia’s democratic leader who has been involved in the future of the civil society in Russia.  He encourages partnerships to aide businesses. 

Irina Yasina (?–present):  Yasina is the founder of Open Russia, an organization that provides funds to aide others in human rights and civil society.  Her work is known around the world, and she is invested in creating a better society.

Related Nonprofit Organizations

• Charities Aid Foundation, or CAF-Russia, was founded in 1993.  It is registered as both a foreign representative office of Charities Aid Foundation (UK) and a Russian nonprofit group that promotes the sustainability of the nonprofit sector in Russia. (http://www.civilsoc.org/nisorgs/russwest/moscow/chrtyaid.htm).
  
  
• Moscow Chamber of Commerce offers many organizations that focuses on business and activities of young people and their development (http://www.mtpp.ru).
  
  
• Moscow School of Human Rights works to “improve the state of human rights and civil society in Russia through civic education.”  Founded in 1994, the school offers professional training courses for secondary school teachers and university professors to help them learn how to "teach democracy" and promote civic
  culture in the classroom (http://www.civilsoc.org/nisorgs/russwest/moscow/schlhr.htm).

Related Web Sites

Agency of Social Information Web site, at http://www.asi.org.ru, provides information on non-governmental organizations in Russia as well as socially significant subjects. 

Bucknell Russian Program at Bucknell University Web site, at http://www.bucknell.edu/Russian, offers background on Russia’s history, culture, language and society as well as links to other Russia-related Web sites.

Commonwealth of Independent States Web site, at http://www.cisstat.com, is the official source for statistical information on the social and economic situation in the Commonwealth of Independent States.  Members include the states of the former Soviet Union, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Kremlin Website, at http://www.kremlin.ru/eng, is Russia's official English-language site for the government's executive branch. It provides archived speeches of President Vladimir Putin, descriptions of state policy priorities, and the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

Russian Nonprofit Organizations Catalogs Web site, at http://www.az.ru/icall/ngo/index_e.htm, provides a listing of nonprofits by regions of the Russian Federation.

World Factbook: Russia Website, at http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/rs.html, is a country profile of Russia.  Compiled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, it includes information on Russia's geography, people, government, economy and more.

Bibliography and Internet Sources

Allavida.  An Introduction to the Non-Profit Sector in Russia.  Allavida, 2002.  ISBN:1-904167-02-0.

Glasser, S.  “Putin Talk Worries Independent Groups”.  1 June (2004) Washington Post.  Accessed 2 October 2004.  
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A4855-2004May31?language=printer.

Hudson, G.  “Civil Society in Russia:  Russia’s Democratic Development.” Center for Citizen Initiatives. 31 October (2003).  Accessed 2 October 2004.  http://www.ccisf.org/home/articles/oct_2003/hudson_10.21.2003.htm.

Richter, James.  “Promoting Activism or Professionalism in Russia’s Civil Society.”   Bates College’s PONARS Policy Memo 51.  November 1998.

Weir, F.  “Russia’s fledgling civil society.”  The Christian Science Monitor.  30 July 2002.  Accessed 2 October 2004.  http://www.cdi.org/russia/johnson/6376-1.cfm.