Digital Activism in Russia: The Communication Tactics of Political Outsiders

This book provides an in-depth investigation of Russian online anti-establishment resistances in 2016–2019. Grounded in qualitative content analysis of the YouTube videos and social media data of opposition activist Alexey Navalny and his associates, the research covers the history of these communications, their tactics, and the impact on the Russian public sphere and peripheral electorates. Drawing from populism, journalism and digital media studies, Glazunova skilfully shows Russia’s digital public sphere to be a multi-faceted site with its own struggles, challenges, and unique communication strategies for political survival. An important and original work, Digital Activism in Russia reflects on the past, present, and future of such resistances in Russia, the central role played by digital media, and its relevance for the political activists struggling for democracy around the world.