Media Strategies of Russian Opposition in Exile: Values, Visibility, and Virtual Mobilisation

Abstract: This thesis examines the media strategies employed by leading figures and organizations in the Russian political opposition landscape, namely Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), Dmitry Gudkov's Secretariat of European Russians, Mikhail Khodorkovsky's Russian Action Committee, Feminist Anti-War Resistance, and Ilya Ponomarev. Using critical discourse analysis as its core methodology, the study aims to unravel the complex dynamics between stated values and media strategies. The strategies analyzed include 'Investigative Outreach,' 'Diaspora Engagement,' 'Media Magnate Mobilisation,' 'Grassroots Guerrilla Artivism,' and 'Dual Role Diplomacy.' The study is framed within the theoretical constructs of social constructivism and media frame theory. These frameworks allow for a critical examination of how the media strategies of these entities are socially constructed and framed, thereby shaping public perception and narrative. Key findings reveal that although these strategies amplify political reach and influence, they also pose challenges such as dilution of core messages and ethical quandaries.