Russia’s Instrumentalization of Citizenship: A Study of the 2023 Citizenship Law

Abstract This article explores how Russia instrumentalizes citizenship by analyzing its 2023 law (“On Citizenship of the Russian Federation”) and several subsequent decrees. The law solidifies two recent trends of Russia’s citizenship regime. First, it contributes to a renationalization of citizenship with a new civics test, revised requirements related to the oath of allegiance, compulsory military registration, and a focus on “traditional” values. Second, the law weaponizes and securitizes citizenship by awarding passports to people who sign a contract with the armed forces, and by using denaturalization as punishment — the number of offenses triggering denaturalization greatly increased in 2023. These measures illustrate how the Kremlin instrumentalizes citizenship to enhance loyalty to the regime, combat “Western values,” ensure military recruitment, and limit dissent (in this case from naturalized citizens).