Comparative Case Studies of Civil Society under Pressure

This article presents a comparative analysis of civil society organizations (CSOs) operating under pressure across diverse political regimes. By examining Russia and Belarus, Myanmar, and Tunisia and Egypt, it illustrates how repression assumes legal, violent, or hybrid forms, shaping distinct repertoires of adaptation. The study identifies recurrent mechanisms—legal mimicry, diaspora mobilization, strategic framing, and digital innovation—while emphasizing contextual variation in how NGOs sustain their missions. Through this comparative framework, the article bridges theoretical debates on civic space with empirical realities, advancing scholarly understanding of civil society resilience under authoritarian and hybrid conditions. For practitioners and donors, it offers insights into how support strategies can strengthen local legitimacy without increasing vulnerability, reinforcing civil society’s adaptive capacity even in hostile environments.