This paper suggests different ways of conceptualising the effect of online communication in non-free states and further understanding the national constraints on the global communicative potential of the online sphere. In particular, this study addresses the intriguing question of the effect of democratic discourse when there is a dearth of strong democratic institutions (including effective political parties or social-action groups) in countries such as Russia. While the internet is often studied as a way to augment democratic institutions, what role can the internet play in democratization if there are no robust democratic institutions to effect the change suggested – or demanded – by informed, engaged or even outraged citizens? This study analyses the way in which the internet in Russia has been shaped and constrained via the co-optation of political parties by the Kremlin and why citizens have not used the internet in attempts to aggregate interests through political parties. At the same time, the paper considers why Russian citizens, who are active in other political discussions and movements on line, have not chosen to consolidate this movement with established political parties or leaders. As institutions based on Western polities appear to have failed to empower citizens, will Russian citizens create new pathways to influence and power? Using web link analysis, content analysis of websites as well as findings from online engagement during recent protests in Russia, this paper suggests new ways of understanding the democratizing potential of the online sphere in the absence of robust democratic institutions.
