In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 139: Why Even Sham Elections Can Matter

Mar 17, 2024

Exploring Russia's manipulated elections, potential cabinet reshuffle, loyalist elite cultivation, soldier mobilization for Ukraine. Analyzing Putin's promises, election rigging, regional dynamics. Spotlight on Sergei Kiriyanka's political influence. Post-election military mobilization, economic challenges. Historical power dynamics, symbolic protest against the regime.

55:09

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Quick takeaways

Russian elections serve as legitimizing ritual, not democratic process.

Post-election elite reshuffle signals cultivation of younger loyalist elite.

Deep dives

Analysis of the Presidential Elections in Russia

Putin is expected to secure a substantial victory in the presidential elections in Russia. However, the focus isn't only on the results but also on the underlying processes within the country. The outcome serves as a legitimizing ritual rather than a genuine democratic decision. There is anticipation surrounding the announced vote figures and their alignment with the actual vote counts.

Introduction

5min

Analyzing the Implications of Putin's Promises and Election Dynamics in Russia

22min

Evolution of Sergei Kiriyanka and His Political Influence

6min

Post-Election Russia: Military Mobilization and Economic Challenges

10min

Evolution of Power Dynamics in Russian History

9min

Symbolic Protest and Unity Against the Regime

3min

Russia's presidential elections are coming to a close, and while Putin's landslide victory is a foregone conclusion in light of the manipulation of the process (I write about that here), that doesn't mean these elections don't matter. I discuss the things I'll be looking for, ranging from how the votes are allocated, through the potential for a cabinet reshuffle, to how this fits into wider political processes, from the cultivation of a new loyalist elite to the risk of a further mobilisation of soldiers for Ukraine.

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.

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