The influence of civil society activism on regional governance structures in the Russian Federation: Cross-regional and policy comparisons 1

Following the Beslan ² school hostage crisis in September 2004, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin proposed the creation of a Public Chamber, which was intended to function as a public oversight committee with consultation powers. This body, which was established in 2005 with 126 members, analyses draft legislation and monitors the activities of parliament, government and other governmental bodies of Russia and its Federal Subjects. At the same time new laws on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been adopted on the federal ³ and regional level, ⁴ in order to restructure the interaction between state and non-state actors.