The Ideology of Putinism with Sergei Guriev

Putin's Ideology: A Search for Coherence

Putin's ideology has been a topic of debate, and in this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around whether Putin has an ideology and how it strengthens his hold on power. The guests discuss different viewpoints, with one arguing that Putin does have an ideology that emphasizes imperial nationalist status and a civilization state. They highlight the consistency and coherence of key tenets such as cultural conservatism, anti-Western sentiment, and the cult of the Second World War. The other guest argues that Putin's ideology is more of a shape-shifting nature, with a focus on gaining and consolidating power rather than a clearly defined doctrine. They also emphasize that ideology is not enshrined in laws or consistently implemented in practices. The guests examine the changing nature of dictatorships and the challenges they face, such as the need to manipulate education and historical narratives. They also discuss the implications for Russia's future, with concerns about the potential North Koreanization of the country and the resilience and skepticism of the Russian public towards ideology. Despite differing perspectives, both guests agree that Putin's ideology plays a significant role in shaping domestic and foreign policy.