Podcast Summary
Russian President Putin's High Approval Ratings and Expected Win in Upcoming Elections: Despite international sanctions and conflict in Ukraine, Putin's approval rating remains high at 86%, and he is expected to win another term with broad Russian support, making him Russia's longest-serving leader since the Revolution.
Despite international sanctions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to win another term in office with high approval ratings and broad support from the Russian population. The upcoming presidential elections, while not a true measure of the people's choice, are seen as a formality for Putin, who is on track to becoming Russia's longest-serving leader since the Russian Revolution. Independent polls show Putin's approval rating at an all-time high of 86%, with 75% of Russians believing the country is heading in the right direction. This contradicts the initial expectations that the war in Ukraine would be detrimental to Putin's power and popularity.
Russian resilience in the face of economic challenges: Putin's adaptability and provision for the Russian people have contributed to his continued popularity, as shown by the bustling mall scene in Samara despite economic sanctions.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Russia's future during the war, Vladimir Putin has managed to maintain high levels of support among the Russian population. I traveled to Samara, a large industrial city on the Volga River, to understand this phenomenon. I visited a mall there and was surprised to find a bustling scene with no empty storefronts. Western brands that had left due to sanctions had been replaced by new ones from various countries, including Russian brands. This was a stark contrast to what I had seen in central Moscow at the end of 2022, where the absence of Western companies had left malls feeling deserted. Despite the changes, consumers could still find similar goods, and even try new Russian brands. This resilience in the face of economic challenges suggests that Putin's ability to adapt and provide for the Russian people has played a significant role in maintaining his popularity.
Russia's economy shows resilience despite tensions: Russia's economy remains strong, allowing consumers to access Western goods at a premium, suggesting a return to normalcy despite geopolitical conflicts
Despite economic sanctions and geopolitical tensions, Russia's economy has shown resilience, with consumers continuing to buy Western goods, including Apple products, at a premium. This was evident during a visit to a mall in Samara, where a salesman expressed confidence in Russia's ability to survive and even thrive economically. The availability of luxury brands and Western goods suggests that the Russian economy has returned to some semblance of normalcy. The war in Ukraine may not feel like an immediate presence for some Russians, especially those who are not mobilized, as they continue to access the goods they desire.
Economic hardship in rural areas fuels military conscription: Rural poverty drives families to send their loved ones to the military, contributing to the overall number of soldiers in conflicts.
The economic despair in rural areas of countries, such as Russia, contributes significantly to the number of soldiers drafted for wars. The village of Oatmeal, in particular, is an economically impoverished area that has seen little benefit from Russia's economic success story. The Kadira family, who lost their son Gary (Vita) in the war, represented the many families in such areas who send their loved ones to the military out of a sense of duty. The loss of Gary was deeply felt by his family and community, and the village continues to struggle with despair and poverty.
Economic benefits for families of soldiers and veterans: The war in Ukraine provides financial compensation for families of soldiers and veterans, helping to ease poverty and potentially boost Putin's popularity
The war in Ukraine is not just about geopolitical power for Russia and Putin, but also about providing economic benefits for the families of soldiers and veterans. The loss of a loved one in the war comes with significant financial compensation, which can be a crucial source of income for families living in poverty. This economic incentive may help explain why some families, despite their grief, embrace Putin's messaging around the war. Putin's efforts to elevate the role of soldiers and veterans in society and provide them with more opportunities can also be seen as an attempt to create a new middle class comprised of people involved in the war effort. This economic element of the war may help to blunt potential political opposition to Putin's actions.
Family Divisions Over Soldier's Death in War: Family grief over soldier's death in war is complicated by differing views on the conflict's necessity and causes, posing risks for those expressing dissenting opinions in Russia.
During my reporting on a military honors ceremony for Vito, a soldier killed in the war in Ukraine, I discovered deep divisions within his family regarding the war. Despite the loss of a loved one, some family members questioned the necessity of the war and criticized Russia's actions. These views are risky to express in Russia, where dissenting voices are heavily policed and repressed. The debate around Vito's casket revealed the complexity of the family's grief and the nuanced perspectives on the war, even among those closest to the deceased.
Putin's Rule: Economic Growth, Military Spending, and Repression: Putin's rule in Russia is maintained through a combination of economic growth, military spending, and repression, but dissent and opposition continue to pose challenges to his power base.
While Putin has managed to keep a tight grip on power in Russia through various means, including economic growth and military spending, repression remains a central component of his rule. Despite growing dissent and opposition, particularly in the wake of events like the death of Alexei Navalny, Putin has effectively used fear and intimidation to maintain control. However, this delicate balance is not without risks. Putin faces challenges in keeping the economy stable and satisfying military demands, while also dealing with the underlying dissent that continues to simmer. As Putin prepares for another term in office, the question remains whether these cracks in his power base will continue to widen or if he will be able to maintain his grip on power.
Protests against Putin, US parents held criminally responsible, Schumer condemns Netanyahu: Protests against Putin continue, US parents faced criminal charges, Schumer criticized Netanyahu, highlighting political tensions and leadership impact
Protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin continue, with Alexei Navalny's widow urging Russians to show up at the polls as a collective protest. Meanwhile, in the United States, two separate juries held parents criminally responsible for their children's crimes, marking an unusual step. In politics, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a speech on the Senate floor, urging Israelis to replace him due to his indictment and controversial policies. These events highlight ongoing political tensions and the role of leadership in shaping national and international issues.
