The following was written by ESFL Executive Board Member David Stancel.
When I first found out that my internship was approved and that I would be heading to Moscow for two months, I did not know what to expect. As a libertarian, Russia was not high on the list of my favorite countries. Nonetheless, a few weeks later, I packed my suitcase and hit the road.
Tabling for ESFL in Moscow.
I always look up freedom-loving individuals in a country I’m visiting prior my arrival and this was the case in Moscow, too. Shortly after landing on Russian soil, I eagerly arranged to meet one of the leading libertarians in Moscow. It was extremely interesting, though sometimes troubling, to hear the stories I was told. Coming from Slovakia, a member-state of the European Union, I’m used to freely criticizing government policies for their negative impact on economic and social freedom.
It was inspiring to hear about people who – in a country where authorities regulate even activities like yoga – haven’t given up on their relentless fight for freedom. Fueled by love for their country, they immerse themselves in activism in pursuit of a freer Russia.
Their path is full of obstacles. Since entering the arena of electoral politics in Russia often gets dangerous, ideas-based student outreach may be the best way to go. Luckily, this is also in accordance with F.A. Hayek’s theory of social change, the very foundation on which we in Students For Liberty have built our movement. To change society, Hayek says, we first need to change the minds of individuals who will later become influencers – scientists, teachers, journalists, or entrepreneurs – in their regions and countries. This bottom-up approach to activism is the most efficient for spreading ideas, especially the ideas of liberty.
Unfortunately, there is no tradition in the former Soviet Union of student activism as we know it in the West. Student clubs and societies are not very popular and they don’t have a significant role in either the educational system nor university life. Unsurprisingly, this has much to do with the low level of development of civil society in these countries. After decades of government dominance and the restriction of active citizens, civil society in Russia has been severely diminished.
Despite these challenges, civic awareness in these countries has been on the rise since the fall of the Soviet Union. Even though the public has no access to universities in Russia, and activities like distributing flyers are highly regulated on campuses, progress is happening. Students, whether individuals or groups, have always been the driving force of social movements and this is true in Russia as well.
I was very lucky to have an opportunity to talk about the ideas that SFL represents in front of dozens of students at one of the universities in Saint Petersburg. A few weeks later, I was even luckier to get a chance to attend one of the most important libertarian events in the country – the Adam Smith Forum – held at the Higher School of Economics. I was amazed to find out about the years-long history of the event. It was a truly great experience to talk about economic and social freedom with so many students who offered me new perspectives on these issues.
David presents to Russian students in Saint Petersburg.
All these amazing interactions assured me that it does not matter how rigid the system is, or how many bureaucratic traps lay on the path to a freer future. As long as there are young, curious, and creative individuals out there, the dynamic force of our desire for freedom will continue to destroy the walls that divide us – no matter how high – and the curtains that restrain us – whether made of iron or anything else.
This piece solely expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the organization as a whole. Students For Liberty is committed to facilitating a broad dialogue for liberty, representing a variety of opinions. If you’re a student interested in presenting your perspective on this blog, visit our guest submissions page.