The laws on “foreign agents” and “undesirable organizations” were primarily designed to suppress civil society, independent media, and any external support. Although science and academic institutions were not the principal targets of these repressive statutes, they soon became their victims. A number of scholarly organizations suffered after being added to the “foreign agents” register, and some research and educational institutions were declared “undesirable.” This process intensified after legislative amendments extended the “foreign agents” law to individuals. Since the start of the war, not only has the list of “foreign agents”—including researchers and university instructors—grown, but the list of foreign educational and research organizations designated as “undesirable” has also expanded. This report examines how the “foreign agent” designation affects the activities of organizations and individuals in Russia, and how the status of an “undesirable organization” shapes the work of research and educational centers.
