Club raids, influencers: How Putin’s playbook is pushing young Russians toward ultranationalism
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Deep Dive
Why has the atmosphere in Moscow's nightclubs changed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine?
The invasion led to a clampdown on freedom of expression and cultural spaces, resulting in fewer young people attending and a noticeable shift in the club's identity and spirit. The soul of these places has changed, and they now feel empty and uncertain.
What role do online influencers play in promoting ultranationalism among young Russians?
Influencers like Ekaterina Mizulina encourage young Russians to embrace patriotic behavior, such as singing the national anthem and reporting dissenting voices. Her Telegram channel, with nearly 800,000 subscribers, normalizes denunciations and supports the Kremlin's narrative.
How has the Kremlin influenced education and culture to promote ultranationalism?
The Kremlin has introduced militarized education, including history books blaming the U.S. for the war, drone operation training for students, and 'hero desks' in schools honoring fallen soldiers. These measures aim to instill a militarized, patriotic mindset from a young age.
What percentage of young Russians support the war in Ukraine, according to a recent poll?
A poll in August found that seven in ten Russians aged 18 to 24 support Russia's war in Ukraine. This suggests a significant shift in young people's attitudes toward the conflict and the Kremlin's narrative.
How has the Russian government punished dissent among young people?
Minors engaging in anti-war actions have faced severe criminal charges, and many young creatives have fled the country. The government has also targeted cultural spaces, leading to the closure of clubs and a dilution of Russia's artistic and musical culture.
Who is Shaman, and what role does he play in Russia's wartime culture?
Shaman is a popular ultra-nationalist pop star who represents the new face of wartime Russian culture. His song 'I Am Russian, Yarosky' has become a nationalist anthem, reflecting the shift toward patriotic and militaristic themes in Russian music.
What is the significance of Ekaterina Mizulina's Safe Internet League?
The Safe Internet League, led by Mizulina, advocates for internet censorship and promotes a 'safe' online environment for young Russians. However, her definition of 'safe' often includes censoring LGBT content and anything perceived as anti-Kremlin or pro-Ukraine.
How has the Kremlin's propaganda influenced young Russian journalists like Mariana Naumolva?
Naumolva, a young propagandist, was recruited by state TV to spread the Kremlin's narrative about the war. Despite her lack of journalistic experience, she has become a prominent figure in wartime propaganda, reflecting the Kremlin's efforts to shape young minds.
What does the transformation of Russian culture under Putin's regime look like?
Russian culture has shifted toward ultranationalism, with a focus on patriotic themes, militarization, and Orthodox Christian values. Influencers and state-sanctioned artists dominate, while dissenting voices and liberal creatives have been silenced or exiled.
How does Arseny's perspective reflect the complexity of young Russians' attitudes?
Arseny represents a segment of young Russians who observe the patriotic pressure but choose not to fully embrace it. He believes the state's ideology lacks substance and that young people can recognize and resist the pressure to conform.
- Shift in Moscow's nightclub scene after the Ukraine invasion
- Mutabor club's transformation
- Restrictions on freedom of speech and expression
- Fear among young people
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