In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 137: They Pretend To Lead Us, We Pretend To Believe

Mar 2, 2024

Exploring Putin's State of the Union address, focus on traditional values & demographics, promotion of veterans as elite, power dynamics in Russian politics, Putin's election strategy, and contrasting perceptions of Putin's leadership.

50:14

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Quick takeaways

Putin's State of the Union address serves as a stealth stump speech with ambiguous funding plans.

Address reflects Soviet-era influence, promising a bright future while creating a new loyal elite.

Deep dives

Putin's Lengthy State of the Union Address

Putin delivered a record-breaking two-hour State of the Union address to the Federal Assembly, emphasizing the forward-looking perspective necessary for the country's development. Although the speech outlined various crucial commitments for Russia's long-term growth, there was skepticism regarding the authenticity of some promises and the underlying motives. The address covered topics ranging from war discussions and the Russian spring to challenges in demographics and economy, highlighting the importance of strategic stability with the West and future security frameworks.

Strategic Clarity over Ambiguity

01:11

Acknowledge Controversial Issues and Provide Context

01:11

Targets on Poverty Rate and Ethnic Composition

01:14

Introduction

3min

Analyzing Putin's Strategic Rhetoric and Actions

22min

Russia's Focus on Traditional Values and Demographics

7min

Promotion of Veterans as Elite and Building a New Loyal Elite

3min

Exploring Power Dynamics and Election Strategy in Russian Politics

3min

Putin's Distancing Strategy in the Upcoming Election

10min

Contrasting Perceptions of Putin's Leadership and Public Enthusiasm

3min

An episode, I admit, on the nerdier end of the spectrum, as I dig into Putin's latest State of the Union, both for the detail and also for three big take-aways: that this was a stealth stump speech, that it left unanswered how (or if) the ambitious 6-year plan would be funded, and that it marks a new stage in Putin's Sovietisation.

My earlier video on the speech 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.

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