Navigating political (dis)engagement: Russian wartime migrants in Georgia

This paper sheds light on the political opportunities and logic of disengagement among Russian wartime migrants in the host country of Georgia. In order to identify the reasons for the ineffective mobilization of the Russian diaspora among wartime activists in Georgia, I examine the mutual distancing that has occurred, focusing on the perception of Georgia as a “non-audience” for the Russian activists, and the perception of Russian newcomers as ambiguous and socially “undesirable migrants” by the Georgian population. In an increasingly authoritarian environment, Russian pro-democracy activists in Georgia face significant constraints that hinder opportunities for effective transnational engagement among activists-turned-migrants. Through qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews with activists, and on-site observations, the case study challenges the notion of a straightforward transition from “exit” to “voice,” highlighting the role of the host country and its political and historical context. The paper emphasizes the need for systematic research in various countries where Russian wartime migrants reside, distinguishing between those with democratic and less democratic political systems.