Russia's Political Discourse: Patriotic Policy Critics or Nationalist Opposition?

In her remarks to the IIEA, Dr Jade McGlynn explores the identity, interactions, and influence of nationalist policy critics within the Russian political landscape, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. She discusses how nationalists' criticisms target military strategy and leadership inefficiencies and straddle a line between regime support and vocal opposition. Despite a decrease following the Wagner mutiny, such critiques have grown since September 2022. Finally, Dr McGlynn discusses how nationalist critics continue to exert a tangible, albeit constrained, influence on governmental strategies, prompting shifts in military tactics and policy but doing little to undermine regime stability. About the Speaker: Jade McGlynn is the author of Russia’s War and Memory Makers, and is an academic based at King’s College London. Her research focusses on Russia’s war on Ukraine since 2014 through the lens of identity and propaganda. She frequently writes for the international media and is also a Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ (CSIS) Europe Program. She splits her time between the U.K. and Kharkiv, where she co-founded Free Ukraine Fund to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces.