ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with patterns of mobilization of radical left-libertarian movement (RLLM) groups in contemporary Russia and how these patterns correspond to general features of the country's political sphere. An RLLM operating under authoritarian regime conditions represents an interesting case for reflecting upon a central instrument of social movement studies, namely the concept of POS. After a short presentation of the contemporary anarchist movement in Russia, the analysis will outline the opportunities and constraints of the movement within the two time periods and discuss how increasing state repression and a change in ally structure affected the issues and forms of anarchist mobilization. However, soon after the organizational and ideological consolidation of the movement, the general political environment changed from democratic to increasingly authoritarian in terms of the state's relation to civil society and the public sphere. In a situation of considerable repression against a movement that protests against the state, allies are in high demand.
