In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 141: Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll (kinda)

Mar 31, 2024

Exploring Russia's demographic challenges, pharmaceutical issues, and the influence of music and culture in political operations. From declining population growth to state's war on culture in rock & roll. Cultural battles, propaganda, and controversial film rejections are also discussed.

55:31

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Quick takeaways

Russia faces a demographic challenge with declining population and low birth rates.

Accessing vital medicines is a challenge for Russia's pharmaceutical industry due to sanctions and shortages.

Kremlin's effort to create a cultural elite aligned with nationalist values faces resistance as audiences prefer nostalgic and light-hearted content.

Deep dives

Russia's Demographic Challenge

Russia faces a demographic challenge with a declining population due to low birth rates and an aging population. Last year, only 1.27 million babies were born, the lowest since 2000. The shrinking cohort of young adults aged 25 to 30 has led to a smaller peak fertility group. Despite improvements in life expectancy, the declining births pose a significant demographic issue for Russia.

Introduction

3min

Russia's Demographic Challenges and Patriarch's Ambitious Population Goals

14min

Pharmaceutical Challenges in Russia

11min

Exploring the Influence of Russian Music and Culture on Political Operations

3min

Russian Cultural Landscape: Music, Films, and Propaganda

17min

Russian Culture Ministry's Stand and the Rise of Chiborashka

3min

Cultural Analysis of Chiborashka and Russian Identity

4min

After a sham election and a ghastly terrorist attack (and a pretty ghastly official response), time to talk about something else: sex, drugs and rock & roll.

Well, demography, access to pharmaceuticals, and the state's culture war in music, film and beyond - but that's almost the same, isn't it?

The Shaman video I mentioned is here, while if you want to see the trailer for Turist, it's here. For a more wholesome watch, the trailer for Cheburashka is here.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials right here.

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