How conspiracy theories help to maintain Vladimir Putin’s grip on power in Russia

As Russians head to the polls for presidential elections, conspiracy theories are swirling everywhere. In this episode we speak to a disinformation expert about the central role these conspiracy theories play in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Featuring Ilya Yablokov, lecturer in journalism and digital media at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Plus an introduction from Grégory Rayko, international editor at The Conversation in France.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware and Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits available here. A transcript will be available shortly. Subscribe to a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.

Further reading and listening:

• The Conversation's Expert guide to conspiracy theories podcast
• Putin has no successor, no living rivals and no retirement plan – why his eventual death will set off a vicious power struggle
• What can we expect from six more years of Vladimir Putin? An increasingly weak and dysfunctional Russia
• Russian conspiracy theories: how Kremlin-backed yarns help keep Vladimir Putin in power 
• En Russie, la plainte étouffée des mobilisés et de leurs familles