Concerns that restrictions on Russian students’ international mobility could undermine the emergence of a more democratically minded and politically engaged younger generation may be overstated. Contrary to previous research, particularly evidence from developing and transitioning countries, this study finds that studying in established democracies has only a marginal effect on Russian students’ aspirations for future political engagement in Russia.
Exposure to democratic environments does have some influence on civic engagement, but mainly through small-scale, non-confrontational activities such as volunteering, education, and environmental initiatives. The key explanation lies in the country-of-origin context: Russia’s restrictive and increasingly risky political environment suppresses political participation, weakens individuals’ sense that they can influence political outcomes, and encourages disengagement and a retreat into the private sphere. Thus, exposure to democratic norms abroad appears insufficient, by itself, to generate greater political engagement when opportunities to exercise political agency at home are severely constrained.
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