Authoritarian Learning and INGO Adaptation in China and Russia

• In Event: International Nonprofits and Philanthropy in China, and China "Going Out" Into the World: New Developments and New Perspectives

Abstract

Recent studies document a rise in laws restricting foreign aid to civil society around the world. Authoritarian regimes like China and Russia have been at the forefront of this trend.

In China, the 2017 Overseas NGO Law increased regulations on overseas organizations that operate in mainland China. In Russia, the 2012 “foreign agent” law and 2015 “undesirable” organization law stigmatized foreign funding and banned many international donors from operating in Russia. These laws – which control the operations of foreign foundations, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and their grantees – have changed the atmosphere for international philanthropy in both countries. While some international groups are able to adapt to maintain their in-country operations, others have been pushed out or have pivoted their efforts elsewhere.

These developments raise several interrelated questions. First, how has international support of civil society in China and Russia changed over time? From a historical perspective, how have international groups altered their activities in response to NGO laws?

In addition, do Chinese and Russian officials learn from one another in regulating this sector? Relatedly, do INGOs and foundations learn from each other – even across country offices – to adapt to these laws? This paper addresses these questions through the use of in-depth interviews and historical archival materials to trace the evolution of international support of civil society – and the regime’s response – in China and Russia over time. The findings contribute to literature on international philanthropy, authoritarian governance, and civil society under authoritarianism.

Christensen, Darin and Jeremy M. Weinstein. 2013. “Defunding Dissent: Restrictions on Aid to NGOs.” Journal of Democracy 24(2): 77-91.
Dupuy, Kendra, James Ron, and Aseem Prakash. 2016. “Hands Off My Regime! Governments’ Restrictions on Foreign Aid to Non-Governmental Organizations in Poor and Middle-Income Countries.” World Development 84: 299-311.

Author

• Elizabeth Plantan, Stetson University