Civil Society Institutions in Russia: Dynamics of Social Activism and NGO Participation in Social Policy from 2012 to 2022

The development of civil society institutions in Russia has been characterized by constant economic and political crises since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Among other problems, the third sector in Russia has faced weak organization, legislative and legal contradictions, and dependence on funding sources. The period from 2012 to 2022 was particularly difficult for civil society institutions due to significant legislative and institutional reforms, global political and economic crises, and increased institutional pressure from the authorities. This study analyzes changes in social activism and NGO participation in social policy in Russia during this difficult period. The theoretical basis of the study is a paradigm that combines institutional theory and social movement theory to explain the dynamics of social activism and civil society in Russia during this period. The study examines legislative changes in the regulation of social activism and NPO activities, reforms in the development and implementation of social policy, and changes in key strategies of civic nonprofit organizations under conditions of political crisis, state control, and limited funding sources. The analysis shows that most phenomena and processes in the sphere of regulation of the third sector and social activity, regardless of the source that initiated them, are contradictory, multidirectional and ambivalent. Many reforms in the sphere of development and implementation of social policy were formed under the influence of lawmaking initiatives of non-profit organizations and various interest groups. However, changes in key strategies of social and human rights non-profit organizations were primarily influenced by the political crisis, increased state control and pressure, and limited funding sources for social movements. In conclusion, the study shows that the period from 2012 to 2022 was a challenging time for civil society institutions and instruments in Russia. The article contributes to understanding the dynamics of social activism, civil society, and NGO participation in Russian social policy, and offers ideas for scholars and policy makers in this field.