"Why Democratize, If It Already Works Well?" Power Hierarchy and Failed Democratization in the Russian Anti-War Community in Exile

Abstract

This article describes the power structure of - and struggle for internal democratization within - one of the Russian anti-war communities in exile. Although it protests against Putin's dictatorship, the community itself is governed by an unelected, unaccountable, and unchangeable Organizing Team, despite numerous attempts by dozens of activists to change the status quo. Two broad theories serve to explain this apparent paradox. First, the political socialization of many activists-in-exile occurred in Russia, where autocratic dispositions and corporate discourses were easier to acquire than democratic ones. Second, the very concept of democracy often excludes democratic practices as such, while focusing on efficiency, support of democratic politicians, and/or consumption of democracy-promoting content. After gaining experience of participatory democracy in the unsuccessful struggle to democratize this community, however, a large group of dissidents eventually created a new one on democratic principles.