Economist Podcasts Don’t mention the war: Russia’s internal tensions
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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.
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Russian Public Opinion
- Many Russians desire a return to normalcy, but don't publicly dissent against the war or Putin.
- This silent majority, though seemingly passive, creates a powerful consensus that could be mobilized in a crisis.
Historical Parallels
- Russia's current socio-political climate mirrors the 1980s, when Gorbachev rose by recognizing widespread discontent.
- A similar figure could emerge, capitalizing on the silent majority's desire for normalcy and an end to the war.
Fragility of Dictatorships
- While organized opposition is absent, dictatorships are inherently fragile and unpredictable.
- Putin's regime, despite outward stability, could be vulnerable to rapid shifts in public sentiment.