Since 2010, the vector of modernization of the Russian state apparatus has turned towards the enhancement of the role that information and communication technologies play in administrative processes. After two rounds of a rather unsuccessful reform of public administration, the Kremlin administration switched to e-government (that is digital interaction between the government and citizens, employees, businesses and other governments), seeing it as an opportunity to amend mishaps of the previous stages. The reform resulted in the successful installation of the most advanced e-government infrastructure. The talk explores factors that contributed to the rapid growth of e-government in Russia and points at the emerging paradox: while e-government improves the quality of public services, could it also foster civic engagement and participation in the Russian context?

Mikhail Zherebtsov is a postdoctoral fellow from Moscow State University and Carleton University. His research interests are focused on contemporary issues of governance and public policy in Russia and post-Soviet nations. These include public administration reforms and institutional modernization, as well regional politics and federalism.