Economist Podcasts Straight out of Orwell: Russia’s propaganda machine
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May 20, 2022 
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief with years of Russian insights, joins foreign editor Robert Guest and obituaries editor Anne Rowe to explore Russia's propaganda machine. They discuss the stark contrast in perceptions of the war in Ukraine due to intensified state censorship and media control. Snyder shares his firsthand experiences navigating Russian media narratives. Additionally, the group touches on Zimbabwe's economic turmoil and the challenges of inflation, revealing the human impact behind the headlines.
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Russia's Information Control
- The Kremlin's propaganda machine shields Russians from global perspectives on the war, particularly Zelensky's addresses.
- New censorship laws prohibit unofficial sources and even calling the conflict a "war."
Suppression of Independent Media
- Independent media outlets like Dozhd TV, Novaya Gazeta, and Echo Moskvy have been silenced or forced to operate from outside Russia.
- These outlets, once central to Russian media, illustrate the tightening grip on information.
Propaganda Shift
- Russian propaganda has shifted from breeding passivity to mobilizing support for the war effort.
- It aims to convince Russians they're under attack and victory is essential.