Environmental activism, non-governmental organisations and the new generation of civil society in Russia and China

Thesis

This dissertation analyses the development paradigms of civil society in Russia and China, using the examples of Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (ENGOs) and youth grassroots movements in Beijing, Moscow, Vladivostok, and Kunming. Civil society in Russia and China have experienced similar path of development over the last thirty years, and in both countries, ENGOs have been supported by Western donors in hopes of democratisation. This factor has created contention with the national governments, and both countries have recently adopted the laws restricting NGO development and limiting the engagement of foreign donors. This dissertation is situated in the context of transition and change of political landscape and examines the impact of these laws on ENGOs and civil society development in Russia and China, as well as on the future of political activism and youth. Qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews and participant observation is used to illustrate the effects of these changes on the first generation of ENGOs and their foreign donors, and the impact on the future of civil society - young environmental activists. Despite the consensus on the devastating state of political freedom and activism in Russia and China, this dissertation sheds light on emerging environmental movements and the new forms of activism that may be transforming the landscape for civil society in both countries. Situated in the literature on environmental movements, youth and environmental activism from geography, political science, and area studies, this dissertation challenges dominant discourses on civil society in authoritarian regimes. The results of this study not only contribute to the literature on countries in postcommunist transition but also contribute to our understanding of alternative forms of environmental activism in constrained political environments.

Authors: Fedorenko, I

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-8r7zr7nqe
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford