The diamond shows a relatively high score for the level of organisation of civil society. This proves that it is relatively institutionalised and stable, offering civil society a reasonable platform in which to do its work. However, the research also tells us that CSOs do not achieve a high degree of impact or significantly contribute to socio-political change in Russia, not least because of the lack of systematic interaction with authorities. This report therefore recommends that state authorities expand their interaction with CSOs and legislate to improve civil society's environment.

The research tells us that participation in civil society activities is not a typical behavioural practice for citizens of Russia. Civic participation in Russia is limited and there are low levels of trust in CSOs. Therefore strengthening this sphere is recommended, through the use of modern methods of encouraging participation, promoting civil society work more widely, and raising awareness of the best practices of CSO activity. Civil society in Russia is also found not to be a reliable conductor by which society's issues reach the elite and elite decisions find a way to feedback to society. It is recommended that this problem be addressed by an expansion of civil society interaction with authorities.

The country partner also compiled a Policy Action Brief with the recommendations they have for how civil society in Russia can be improved through policy changes.

CSI Country Reports in Russia

• Russia CSI Report (2010): Full Report
• Russia Policy Action Brief 2010: Full Brief
  
• Russia CSI Report (2003-2005): Executive Summary
• Russia CSI Report (2003-2005): Full Report
• Project Evaluation for Russia (2003-2005): Executive Summary