Anti-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) Movement in Russia: Identification of Actors and Their Connection With Grassroots

Currently the topic of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is very popular and widespread. Despite the fact that GMO appeared not yesterday, this issue in Russia became acute relatively recently. Only from the beginning of the new millennium the concern toward GMO emerged in our country as well. There are proponents and opponents of GMO in Russia. In this research we are interested in the study of anti-GMO movement. The importance of this research is connected with undefined attitude to the usage of GMO in our ordinary life (foodstuffs, agricultural issues and etc.). Until now there is no unified point of view toward GMO, and this is used by many concerned parties: some spread opinion about harm from GMO, another one – about necessity of use of this technology and its dissemination in the third world countries. The literature review of relevant sources gives us a comprehension that the topic of anti-GMO movement in Russia was not explored though somehow. The same situation is in the study of pro-GMO movement The research problem of master thesis: the necessity in study the anti-GMO movement in Russia as filling the gaps in this topic. The research question: is the Russian anti-GMO movement grassroots one or it was formed under the influence of external request? To answer the research question of master thesis we should formulate the next several research tasks: 1. To follow the development path of the USA and Europe with its GMO issue. 2. To consider the Russian legislative base of the Russian Federation concerning the use and GMO. 3. To identify the actors (organizations, personalities, etc.) that constitute the core of anti-GMO movement in Russia. 4. To distinguish actors (pro-GMO and neutral one) existing in Russian field of GMO discourse and their arguments. 5. To find links between the core organization of anti-GMO movement in Russia and its external supporters, such a way to answer on research question.