Theorizing MNE-NGO conflicts in state-capitalist contexts: Insights from the Greenpeace, Gazprom and the Russian state dispute in the Arctic

This paper theorizes development of MNE-NGO-state conflicts in state-capitalist contexts. We draw on longitudinal data from the Arctic oil drilling dispute between environmental NGOs headed by Greenpeace, and Gazprom, the Russian energy giant. We propose a theory that introduces two concepts: shadow-boxing and homeostasis. In shadow-boxing, escalation of visible action by NGOs is met with a seemingly separate but concerted response by the MNE...