Silicon Bites #72 - Psycho was Bored - Was this on Anyone's 'Causes of Putin's War' Bingo Card?
Jan 2, 2025
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In a gripping discussion, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, reflects on the year's results and the chaos roiling the world. He reveals how boredom can drive leaders to war, highlighting a dangerous mindset. Putin attempts to reassure listeners about Russia's economic resilience while facing criticisms of inflated success amidst rising inflation. The conversation reveals his struggle to maintain power and stability amidst global unrest, sparking a critical examination of his approach to conflict and leadership.
Putin's press conference projected an illusion of economic stability while obscuring the dire reality of rising inflation and unsustainable growth.
The disconnect between Russia's narrative of sovereignty and its actual economic struggles highlights the manipulation of public perception amidst ongoing conflicts.
Deep dives
Putin's Press Conference Dynamics
Vladimir Putin's recent press conference was designed to create an illusion of transparency while actually being heavily scripted and staged. The event featured a journalist asking a broad question about global turmoil, revealing a notable disconnect between the realities of international conflicts and Russia's role in exacerbating them. This manipulation of information aimed to divert attention from Russia's own actions, including its invasion of Ukraine, which significantly contributes to global economic struggles, such as escalating food and energy prices. The framing of such questions serves to bolster Putin's image while glossing over the stark truth that these conflicts are often initiated or fueled by Russia itself.
The Illusion of Economic Stability
Putin claimed during the conference that the Russian economy is stable and growing, despite ongoing sanctions and international pressure, a statement widely regarded as disingenuous. He emphasized economic growth figures, comparing them favorably against Western economies while ignoring critical indicators suggesting otherwise, notably rising inflation rates that many analysts place between 25% to 30%. This narrative creates a false sense of stability that aligns with Putin's goal of maintaining public support, particularly by recalling the economic chaos of the 1990s. However, experts argue that such growth, primarily within the military-industrial sector, lacks sustainability and does not reflect a well-rounded, functioning economy.
Geopolitical Isolation and Sovereignty
Putin invoked the concept of sovereignty, suggesting that Russia's detachment from the West enhances its strength, a narrative that runs counter to historical evidence of Russia's development during periods of cooperation with European nations. He linked this perceived sovereignty to cultural identity and economic prowess, which appears to be an attempt to rally nationalistic sentiments among Russians amidst the ongoing conflict. By framing sanctions as having minimal impact on the economy, Putin aims to project resilience and self-sufficiency, even as domestic reality contradicts his assertions. This promotion of an isolationist ideology seems at odds with the actual economic and humanitarian crisis faced by many Russians, revealing the dissonance between state rhetoric and public experience.
Edition No72 | 02-01-2025 - Vladimir Putin summed up the results of
the year and answered questions from journalists and the people of
Russia in a live broadcast. December 19, 2024
"We have already received over 2.2 million questions, including 1.2
million via telephone, about 43,000 via SMS messages, and over 140,000
via the website. We can see that the number of questions is increasing
in real time."
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Trucks under Christmas Tree
https://donorbox.org/trucks-under-christmas-tree/fundraiser/silicon-curtain
The Goal of the Campaign for Silicon Curtain: € 10,000 to purchase 1
truck to save Ukrainian lives.
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SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISER
A project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of
Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to
Ukraine's frontline towns.
https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras
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Anna Suvorova: Before we start taking questions from our people and our
colleagues, journalists, I would like to ask the first general question.
In recent time, everyone has been feeling a disturbing sense that the
world is going crazy, or already has, because the potential for conflict
is off the charts in every part of the world, and the global economy is
struggling. How does Russia manage not only to stay afloat, but also to
continue growing in this situation?
Vladimir Putin: You know, when all is calm and life is measured and
stable, we get bored. This amounts to stagnation, so we crave action.
When action begins, time starts whistling by – or bullets do, for that
matter. Unfortunately, bullets are what is zipping past our heads these
days. We are scared, yes – but not as “all get out” kind of scared.
Our economics are the ultimate measure of things. As is traditional, I
will start with the economy. Although your question was a bit
provocative, I will turn to the economy anyway. The economy is number
one; it is the cornerstone. It has an impact on living standards,
general stability, and the country’s defence capability. The economy is
everything.
The economic situation in Russia is generally positive and stable. We
are growing in spite of everything, in spite of any external threats or
attempts at outside influence.
What this means is that our economy will have grown by eight percent
over the past two years. After all, the tenths and hundredths of a
percent make for a negligeable difference. This is what experts have
been telling me – we exchanged views this very morning. About eight
percent over the past two years, compared to a growth rate between five
and six percent for the United States, one percent for the Eurozone, and
zero for Germany, the EU’s leading economy. It seems that next year
that country will also have zero growth.
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NEWS SOURCES:
http://www.en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/75909
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SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain
https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain
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TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:
Save Ukraine
https://www.saveukraineua.org/
Superhumans - Hospital for war traumas
https://superhumans.com/en/
UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in
Ukraine
https://unbroken.org.ua/
Come Back Alive
https://savelife.in.ua/en/
Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchen
https://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine
UNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyy
https://u24.gov.ua/
Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation
https://prytulafoundation.org
NGO “Herojam Slava”
https://heroiamslava.org/
kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and
Przemysl
https://kharpp.com/
NOR DOG Animal Rescue
https://www.nor-dog.org/home/
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