Aleksandar Djokic - Struggle Against Creeping Authoritarianism and Russification has not been Won

Last week, a law being pushed through the Georgian Parliament modelled on Russian legislation designed to curtail freedom of speech and stifle dissent was prevented through the pressure of public protest. The so-called 'foreign agents' law would require some organisations to list themselves as receiving funds from abroad, essentially flagging them as a threat to the state and society. Russia should pay attention – public protest can force change, if carried out on an appropriate scale and pursued with vigour. But the struggle against creeping authoritarianism and Russification has not been won, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Central Asia are all a focus of Moscow’s desire to influence and control the political narrative in its near-abroad (ex-colonial space). But what happens when power in Moscow centre weakens? When people no longer fear the power and threat of Muscovy? ~~~~~ Aleksandar Djokic has a PhD in political science from RUDN Moscow. He is former assistant professor at RUDN Moscow, as well as being a Political analyst. In his journalistic career he writes as a Columnist at Bloomberg Adria and has also written for Novaya Gazeta Europe. Aleksandar has also acted as an Election Observer at Transparency International Serbia. ~~~~~ Links: https://twitter.com/polidemitolog https://rs.bloombergadria.com/a/39/aleksandar-dokic-politikolog-i-naucni-istrazivac/ ~~~~~