In “Putin vs. the People”, Samuel Greene and Graham Robertson suggest the annexation of Crimea triggered a groundswell of national pride. Russians rallied for the flag. They saw Putin more positively, turned a blind-eye to corruption, and even became more economically optimistic. This motivated wider conformity and social policing. Seizing on geopolitical glory and newfound loyalty, Putin then tightened the screws.
Book: https://yalebooks.co.uk/page/detail/putin-vs-the-people/?k=9780300268362
My Substack: https://draliceevans.substack.com/p/putin-vs-the-people-by-greene-and?sd=pf
