Economist Podcasts
Don’t mention the war: Russia’s internal tensions
Jan 1, 2025
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist with deep expertise in Russian politics, and Matthew Holhouse, British political correspondent focusing on the UK's landscape, explore the complexities of Russian public opinion about the war in Ukraine. They discuss the internal divisions facing Russians, who desire a return to normalcy. The conversation also shifts to the UK's political future post-2024, while analyzing challenges faced by the Labour government amid a fragmented electorate and exploring the cultural significance of nicknames.
22:09
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Quick takeaways
- Despite discontent with the war in Ukraine, most Russians remain loyal to Putin, navigating a complex public sentiment landscape.
- The potential for sudden regime change in Russia exists as economic conditions worsen, despite current challenges for organized opposition.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Public Opinion in Russia
The current public sentiment in Russia regarding the war in Ukraine reveals a complex landscape of opinions. While there exists a vocal anti-war minority that initially protested against the conflict, the majority of the population tends to remain loyal to Putin despite their dissatisfaction with the war. Many Russians are caught in a state of cognitive dissonance, perceiving the war as morally ambiguous yet preferring to avoid confrontation with the regime. This creates a precarious environment where the majority does not take tangible actions against the government, despite harbored discontent.
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