Elena Kostychenko, an insightful author and journalist known for her poignant reporting on Russia, joins Sergei Medvedev, a prominent scholar specializing in contemporary Russian politics. They discuss the intricate emotions of self-loathing within dissident circles and how historical authoritarianism shapes current sentiments. The conversation shifts to the complexities of Russian identity as reflected in literature, while Kostychenko and Medvedev emphasize the youth's aspirations for democracy and their resilience against oppressive regimes, fostering a sense of optimism for the future.
