In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 190: Sanctions, Spies, and Suspect Legitimacy

Mar 9, 2025

The podcast explores the implications of potential sanctions against Russia and their unpredictable impact on international diplomacy. It highlights the evolution of Russian intelligence tactics and delves into the political legitimacy of Putin's regime, informed by recent literature. Discussions also cover grassroots activism and civic engagement, challenging common stereotypes about Russians. The complexities of legitimacy in governance and societal values in modern Russia reveal how public acceptance can persist, even amid challenges.

51:02

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Trump's ambiguous stance on sanctions highlights the complexity of U.S.-Russia relations and raises questions about future policy directions.

The rise of grassroots movements in Russia signals a potential shift in societal engagement, challenging state narratives through everyday political acts.

Deep dives

Trump's Sanctions on Russia: Uncertainty and Hypocrisy

Recent commentary has highlighted Donald Trump's contradictory stance on imposing further sanctions on Russia, as he simultaneously hints at considering banking sanctions while expressing sympathy for Putin's actions in Ukraine. This ambiguity raises questions about Trump's true intentions and potential shifts in U.S. policy regarding sanctions and negotiations. While Trump suggests sanctions will be contingent on a ceasefire, experts note that these tariffs may be ineffectual given the limited trade exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Observers from Moscow seem largely unconcerned, maintaining that the approach towards Trump reflects a pragmatic understanding of shifting interests rather than a genuine alliance.

Intro

5min

Russia's View on U.S. Politics and Ukraine

16min

The Evolution of Russian Intelligence and Political Legitimacy

7min

Legitimacy and Dissent in Modern Russia

8min

Everyday Politics and Grassroots Activism in Russia

8min

Exploring the Complexities of Legitimacy in Governance

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Legitimacy in Contemporary Russia

5min

Reflecting the chaotic and fast-moving nature of the times, another podcast of two parts. In the first, looking at various issues of the week, from Trump's apparent threat to increase sanctions on Russia to a spy case in the UK.

In the second half, I look at two recent books, Political Legitimacy and Traditional Values in Putin's Russia, edited by Helge Blakkisrud & Pål Kolstø (Edinburgh UP) and Jeremy Morris’s Everyday Politics in Russia. From Resentment to Resistance, (Bloomsbury) and use them to spin off a discussion about legitimacy in modern Russia.

The piece ‘Recycling to resist,’ I mentioned by Alexandrina Vanke, is in the Sociological Review here.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here.

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