ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concepts of civil society and social capital. It examines the legal basis of Russian civil society. It explains Vladimir Putin's attempts to co-opt and control civil society and it examines extremism, racism and xenophobia. The development and role of civil society must be understood within the broader context of the changing relations between state and society in the USSR and the Russian Federation. Putin's pursuit of the strengthening of managed democracy has severely hampered the further development of civil society. Putin has consistently sought to concentrate power in the presidency through strengthening the power vertical. This means that he wants to manage democracy and to direct democracy from the Moscow Kremlin. He has, therefore, attempted to co-operative civil society through the Civic Forum, the Public Chamber and the Presidential Council for Human Rights; and through the setting up of civil society groups such as walking together and Nashi.
