Digital Authoritarianism in the Making: Repression and Resistance on the Russian Internet

— —

Francoise Dauce Benjamin Loveluck

Digital Authoritarianism in the Making

Repression and Resistance on the Russian Internet

Francoise Dauce, Benjamin Loveluck, Francesca Musiani , Liz Carey Libbrecht

$130

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

MIT Press
21 October 2025

Society & culture: general

On the genesis of digital authoritarianism in the Russian Internet space, from peace to war.

On the genesis of digital authoritarianism in the Russian Internet space, from peace to war.

How did the authoritarian dynamic that is currently plaguing the Russian internet (Runet) come to dominate a digital space that was initially free? Digital Authoritarianism in the Making reveals the policies regulating the Runet, resituating them within their historical context starting in the early 2010s and ending with the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022. It offers a political sociology of the Russian digital space, including the variety of actors who have sought to occupy it- access providers, developers, journalists, activists, web professionals, and mobilized citizens.

Informed by five years of original fieldwork, the book highlights both repressive policies and online resistance, including lesser-known social and technical practices used to circumvent constraints.

While the Runet's shift toward authoritarianism is specific to Russia, this model is expanding to all the regions where Moscow is extending its influence. This book is a must-read for all those who pay attention to the coercive uses of the internet, in Russia and beyond.

By: Francoise Dauce, Benjamin Loveluck
Edited by: Francesca Musiani
Translated by: Liz Carey Libbrecht, Paco Libbrecht
Imprint: MIT Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 369g
ISBN: 9780262553674
ISBN 10: 0262553678
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 21 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Fran oise Dauce is Professor at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) in Paris and a member and former director of the Center for Russian, Caucasian, East-European, and Central Asian Studies (CERCEC). Benjamin Loveluck is Junior Professor in Political Science and Chair in Digital Regulation at Paris-Pantheon-Assas University, member of the Center for Studies and Research in Administrative and Political Sciences (CERSA). Francesca Musiani is Research Professor at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), member and director of the CNRS Centre for Internet and Society (CIS).