The Intelligence from The Economist War stories: the view from Russia
Mar 8, 2022
Arkady Ostrovsky, Europe editor for The Economist, provides insights into the voice of dissent in Russia, highlighting protests against the war in Ukraine and the government's violent crackdowns. Kenley Salmon, Africa correspondent, discusses the escalating jihadist threat in West Africa, focusing on the effects of military coups and the challenges faced by local governments. The conversation also touches on advancements in gender equality and the complex implications for women's roles in leadership despite ongoing barriers.
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Generational Divide in War Perception
- Younger Russians, relying on the internet, have different views than older Russians, who are more susceptible to state TV propaganda.
- The perception of war has shifted drastically for younger Russians since the invasion began.
Polling in Totalitarian Regimes
- Polling in a totalitarian regime is unreliable, as fear influences responses.
- People may outwardly support propaganda as a survival tactic, even if they internally dissent.
Elite Discontent
- Russian oligarchs and technocrats are unhappy with the war and sanctions, which have destroyed their wealth and connections to the West.
- Putin may implement "stop lists" to prevent professionals from leaving Russia.
