Антикоррупция в дискурсах акторов гражданского общества в РоссииAnti-corruption in the discourses of civil society actors in Russia

The project explores the anti-corruption discourses of civil society in Russia by focusing on some of the questions overlooked by the extant literature: the role of informal actors indirectly engaged in anti-corruption, the relations between actors that promote different agendas and civil society models, the legitimization strategies adopted by civil society actors in an increasing politicized sector. The work is based on a semi-systematic literature review, that allowed the distinction of different academic discourses on civil society and anti-corruption, and on two empirical studies based on semi-structured interviews and participant observation, that focused on civil society actors directly or indirectly engaged in anti-corruption. With the purpose of investigating the changes occurring within civil society and the increasing importance of non-registered groups, the study included urban initiatives whose activities aim at increasing transparency and accountability within local authorities. Drawing from post-colonial and social movement theories and the framing perspective, the project represents a novelty as it provides evidence of the presence of anti-corruption discourses from below, developed on the basis of a different conception of the ‘foreign’ supported by conservative societal groups, that represent an opportunity of legitimization for apolitical independent actors. The project also explores the discourse of urban non-registered groups that challenge the professionalism and morality of authorities but that also delegitimize the vertical structure of independent formal organizations