Lawfare Daily: Mikhail Zygar on Putin, the Russia-Ukraine War, and Press Freedom
Apr 23, 2025
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Mikhail Zygar, a prominent Russian journalist and author, shares his insights on the current political landscape in Russia and the impact of the Ukraine war. He discusses the erosion of press freedom under Putin and the struggles facing independent journalism. Zygar reflects on the disillusionment with democracy, emphasizing the perseverance of activists like Alexei Navalny. He also explores the shifting narratives that shape Russia's actions in Ukraine and warns about the implications for global democracy and civil liberties.
Mikhail Zygar highlights how Putin's manipulation of media ownership and advertising pressure suppresses independent journalism in Russia.
The podcast discusses the growing global disillusionment with liberal democracy, reflecting a shift towards cynicism in governance and political systems.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Independent Journalism in Russia
The discussion highlights the significant decline of independent journalism in Russia, particularly following the establishment of Vladimir Putin's presidency. Mikhail Zivar details his journey as a war correspondent and co-founder of the independent news channel, TV Rain, which offered a platform for opposition voices before being severely impacted by governmental restrictions. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, independent media faced increasing violence and repression, ultimately leading Zivar and many journalists to operate from exile. The aggressive tactics employed by the Kremlin, including the criminalization of dissent and media ownership manipulation, have drastically curtailed public access to independent news sources in Russia.
Putin's Strategic Incentives and the Russia-Ukraine War
Putin's motivations for continuing the conflict in Ukraine are framed by a complex understanding of power dynamics and national control. As Zivar explains, Putin perceives the war as a vital tool for maintaining authority, using nationalism and an external enemy to divert attention from domestic issues. The war not only consolidates Putin's position by suppressing dissent but also aligns with his long-term vision of Russian statehood, rooted in historical narratives that erase the legitimacy of Ukrainian identity. Interestingly, while some in his circle oppose the war, fear of dissent ensures that narratives supporting the conflict prevail, exposing a delicate balance of power within the Kremlin.
The Poor State of Global Democratic Values
A pervasive disillusionment with liberal democracy is observed both in Russia and increasingly within the United States, with Zivar arguing this trend is fueled by a global shift towards cynicism in governance. The Kremlin has long propagated the idea that Western democracy is hypocritical and lacking, which has resonated with many who feel marginalized by their own political systems. This paradigm shift is seen as an opportunity by Russian officials, who believe that a less ideologically driven approach to governance represents a new world order. As disillusionment grows, the potential for collective action against democratic values appears to diminish, prompting concern about the erosion of established norms and institutions.
The Impact of Financial Structures on Media Freedom
Zivar emphasizes that the financial underpinning of media in Russia plays a critical role in suppressing independent journalism rather than strict legal repression alone. By manipulating media ownership and creating an environment where advertisers fear repercussions for associating with independent outlets, the Kremlin effectively dismantles the financial viability of dissenting voices. This situation mirrors concerns in the United States, where a growing trend of litigation and self-censorship poses similar threats to journalistic integrity. The takeaway is the importance of solidarity among journalists in resisting pressures that limit freedom of expression, underscoring that threats to one outlet can threaten the entire media landscape.
On today's episode, Mikhail Zygar, a renowned Russian journalist living in exile in the U.S., the author of multiple books on Vladimir Putin, and the author of The Last Pioneer substack, joined Lawfare Associate Editor Olivia Manes to discuss his experience as the founder of one of the last independent Russian media channels, TV Rain. They talked about the incentives underlying Putin's actions in Ukraine, how the Russian president has clamped down on independent journalism, global disillusionment with liberal democracy, and more.
