The New Liberal Podcast Russia's Indoctrination Machine ft. Ian Garner
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May 31, 2025 Ian Garner, an Assistant Professor at the Poletsky Institute and author of 'Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia's Fascist Youth', dives deep into the mechanics of Russian propaganda aimed at its citizens. He details how state control of media fosters nationalism and supports the war in Ukraine. Garner explores the roles of social media influencers, state-sponsored youth programs, and the effects of authoritarianism on cultural expression. He challenges perceptions of public dissent and unpacks the troubling rise of authoritarian ideals among Russian youth.
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State Creates Chaotic Media Environment
- Russia's media environment is chaotic and designed to confuse its citizens.
- The state offers simple, trustable narratives as an antidote to media chaos, especially via social media.
Turning Point: 2012 and Nationalism Rise
- The 2012 protests and decline in resource prices led Putin to shift towards extreme nationalism.
- Russia's clampdown on media intensified due to fear of digital organized protests like the Arab Spring.
Complex Russian Digital Ecosystem
- Russians use both Russia-specific and international social media like Instagram and TikTok.
- Telegram plays a central role, operating freely but under implicit state influence.
