Russia’s Free Society in Exile
Politicians, Civil Rights Activists, Journalists, Artists
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Since the start of Putin’s massive war of aggression against Ukraine began, large parts of Russia’s organized civil society, the opposition, and independent journalism have migrated abroad. The opposition network in exile is diverse, committed, and productive. So far, no political representation has crystalised that could present itself as an alternative to the Kremlin. This is not needed at the moment. The task of the opposition is to retain ideas and knowledge, to educate people about the war and the dictatorship, and to provide orientation. As a result of the war and the failure of current policies, there will be destabilization and chaos in Russia. Then, there will be a need for an effective opposition that has built up trust in order to use this second chance to democratize Russia.
(Osteuropa 10-11/2023, pp. 217–234)