Berkeley Program in Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies

This paper investigates the development of the environmental movement in post-Soviet Russia, and in particular examines the dynamic interaction between Russian green activists and Western aid donors attempting to foster civil society development in the former Soviet Union. Focusing on three explanatory factors -- material resources, issue framing, and political opportunities, the paper concludes that while donors have succeeded in promoting the survival and growth of environmental NGOs in Russia, it has been difficult for these NGOs to form links with their local communities and to influence environmental policy.