From: "Carnegie Moscow Center" <vlavrikova@carnegie.ru>
Date: 23 Aug 2012
Subject: Societal Shifts in Russia - new issue of Pro et Contra

From the Global Think Tank
Carnegie Moscow Center
Press release
AUGUST 23, 2012
Societal Shifts in Russia

The new issue of Pro et Contra is dedicated to the attitude shifts that became clearly discernible within the Russian society at the end of last year when a big part of Russian citizens cast off the usual indifference and cynicism and took to the streets to participate in mass protest rallies.

Contents in English: http://www.carnegie.ru/proEtContra/?fa=49079

READ IN RUSSIAN: http://carnegie.ru/proEtContra/?fa=49067

According to the Chief Editor Maria Lipman, the negative attitude within the Russian society toward government policies had been forming for a long time. However, previously it had been coupled with a renunciation of active action and with the habit to adapt to the conditions that were offered to them. The government was successful at cultivating this political apathy, consistently pushing its citizens aside from the decision-making process.

Meanwhile, in the conditions of a considerable freedom of expression, sections of Russian society began to change their perception of the political environment and their role within it. "A community of open-minded people with advanced professional skills, independent judgment, and the ability to make decisions on their own and achieve the set goals had been formed," writes Lipman. In the context of a paternalistic, rigid, and outdated political system, there was a process of civic modernization going on against the government's will. This process was facilitated by the rapid spread of the Internet and social networks.

Since late 2011, politics have suddenly become an important subject of a meaningful discourse in Russia. Civic activity has transformed into political acts. At the same time, as the voice of the modernized part of the Russian society is becoming louder, the manifestations of xenophobia, anti-Western moods, and rejection of everything new and modern has come to the forefront as well.

The Russian government which derives its suppport from the conservatively-oriented masses eexacerbates polarization of the society along the lines of social modernization. "The steadily expanding and already unbridgeable gap between the authorities and the more advanced citizens is already reality," says Lipman. "The relationship and interaction between the more and the less modernized Russians will define the development of Russia in the future."

The quarterly journal Pro et Contra is devoted to topical Russian and international issues. The journal publishes articles by prominent Russian and international experts, political analysts, economists, and sociologists. As a forum for free discussion on key aspects of modern public life, Pro et Contra offers readers a diverse analysis of domestic and foreign policy, the economy, international relations, public life, and political institutions. Pro et Contra's chief editor is Maria Lipman, a well-known journalist and specialist on domestic policy and civil society issues.

Keywords: Russia, Government, Politics - Russian News - Russia - Johnson's Russia List

From: "Carnegie Moscow Center" <vlavrikova@carnegie.ru>
Date: 23 Aug 2012
Subject: Societal Shifts in Russia - new issue of Pro et Contra

From the Global Think Tank
Carnegie Moscow Center
Press release
AUGUST 23, 2012
Societal Shifts in Russia

The new issue of Pro et Contra is dedicated to the attitude shifts that became clearly discernible within the Russian society at the end of last year when a big part of Russian citizens cast off the usual indifference and cynicism and took to the streets to participate in mass protest rallies.

Contents in English: http://www.carnegie.ru/proEtContra/?fa=49079

READ IN RUSSIAN: http://carnegie.ru/proEtContra/?fa=49067

According to the Chief Editor Maria Lipman, the negative attitude within the Russian society toward government policies had been forming for a long time. However, previously it had been coupled with a renunciation of active action and with the habit to adapt to the conditions that were offered to them. The government was successful at cultivating this political apathy, consistently pushing its citizens aside from the decision-making process.

Meanwhile, in the conditions of a considerable freedom of expression, sections of Russian society began to change their perception of the political environment and their role within it. "A community of open-minded people with advanced professional skills, independent judgment, and the ability to make decisions on their own and achieve the set goals had been formed," writes Lipman. In the context of a paternalistic, rigid, and outdated political system, there was a process of civic modernization going on against the government's will. This process was facilitated by the rapid spread of the Internet and social networks.

Since late 2011, politics have suddenly become an important subject of a meaningful discourse in Russia. Civic activity has transformed into political acts. At the same time, as the voice of the modernized part of the Russian society is becoming louder, the manifestations of xenophobia, anti-Western moods, and rejection of everything new and modern has come to the forefront as well.

The Russian government which derives its suppport from the conservatively-oriented masses eexacerbates polarization of the society along the lines of social modernization. "The steadily expanding and already unbridgeable gap between the authorities and the more advanced citizens is already reality," says Lipman. "The relationship and interaction between the more and the less modernized Russians will define the development of Russia in the future."

The quarterly journal Pro et Contra is devoted to topical Russian and international issues. The journal publishes articles by prominent Russian and international experts, political analysts, economists, and sociologists. As a forum for free discussion on key aspects of modern public life, Pro et Contra offers readers a diverse analysis of domestic and foreign policy, the economy, international relations, public life, and political institutions. Pro et Contra's chief editor is Maria Lipman, a well-known journalist and specialist on domestic policy and civil society issues.