Russian Blogs

Tool for Opposition and State

Author(s): Robert Orttung
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 28
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2007

Russian blogs reach the most dynamic members of the youth generation. Members of civil society have utilized them to mobilize activists who support a variety of ideologies, including liberal opposition groups and nationalists. In some cases, information that first appeared in blogs was later picked up by the traditional media and then led to political action. The state has also used blogs effectively to mobilize its own supporters. Additionally, it has used information in blogs to coordinate police responses to street protests and has taken action against individual bloggers whose views the state authorities do not support. Despite these crackdowns, Russia's blog culture is evolving spontaneously and thriving.

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