SCEEUS report Is Civil Society Still Alive in Russia? (September 20, 2024) strongly says—yes.
Despite growing repression and the silencing of anti-war protests, many independent, democratic-oriented groups continue working inside the country, focusing on civic issues through under-the-radar engagement. These initiatives may not shout their presence, but their persistence matters. They send signals of enduring civic life amid atomization and pressure.
The report urges international supporters to act now—because opportunities to back these grassroots efforts are shrinking each month. It recommends strengthening local and regional networks, independent journalism, and discreet interregional communication to bolster these vital, often invisible, actors.
As Russia’s monitoring of dissent tightens, this report argues that nurturing horizontal ties among citizens remains central to any future democratic revival. Supporting inside initiatives offers more long-term potential than focusing solely on actors in exile.The report shows how they adapt: keeping public messaging cautious, focusing on small-scale local initiatives, and strengthening both digital and personal security.
