Chapter 1: Recentering Putinism

The political landscape today evokes themes from historical critiques by influential thinkers such as Bertolt Brecht and Hannah Arendt, highlighting the tension between authority and individual freedoms.
Ordinary citizens face significant barriers in exposing government wrongdoing, creating an environment where misinformation and propaganda can thrive, leading to a distortion of reality and public perception.
Instances of authoritarianism, oppression, and exclusionary politics are increasingly observed in several regimes worldwide, including Syria, Hungary, Venezuela, Russia, and the USA, leading to a darkening outlook for liberal democracies.
A concerning global trend is emerging where populations appear to increasingly support political parties and movements that prioritize nationalism over diversity and individual liberty, posing risks to democratic integrity.

It is essential for scholars, policymakers, and the general public to understand the mechanisms through which leaders can gain control amidst the facade of democratic systems.
Vladimir Putin's Russia serves as a key case study, illustrating that his legitimacy heavily relies on calculated popularity rather than overt coercion, as evidenced by the manipulation of public opinion through state-controlled media.

Putin represents an ideological movement that actively diminishes faith in liberal democratic values and the institutions that support them.
Russia is depicted as a principal agent in the propagation of contemporary authoritarianism, marked by high casualties in conflict zones and a problematic ideology that often glorifies Russian exceptionalism.

Existing research predominantly focuses on Putin as an individual and fails to account for the complicity and passive support of the Russian populace in sustaining his regime.
Well-known scholars like Ian McAllister and Richard Sakwa characterize Putin as an opportunistic figure while overlooking the broader societal dynamics that promote and sustain authoritarian governance across the nation.
Views suggesting that a minority of Russians will eventually dismantle Putin's regime lack a nuanced understanding of the enduring ideologies that underpin and legitimize his rule.

The concept of the "Putin Phenomenon" finds its parallel in Moshe Lewin's earlier work on the "Gorbachev Phenomenon," arguing that significant societal changes arise from broader historical currents rather than solely individual leadership.
Putin's ongoing political success suggests a deep-rooted societal acceptance of authoritarian governance, fueled by historical authoritarian traits and a resurgence of nationalistic sentiments originating from the Soviet past.

This book aims to explore the reasons behind the Russian populace's support for Putin, scrutinizing the societal approval of his actions despite government restrictions on freedoms and ongoing military engagements abroad.
It posits that the allure of Putinism illustrates a prevailing cultural milieu, characterized by a yearning for strong leadership and national pride, amplifying collectivist sentiments over individual liberties.
Attempts to unseat Putin are likely to face challenges if they do not address the underlying ideologies embraced by a substantial portion of the populace, who view authoritarian stability as preferable to democratic instability.

Putinism represents a broader ideological structure that extends beyond Putin himself, indicating a collective aspiration for an authoritarian state deeply embedded in Russian culture and psyche.
The public's desire for strong leadership transcends Putin's presidency, suggesting the permanence of Putinist ideals embedded in the national consciousness.
Understanding this cultural dimension requires a deep dive into how historical narratives and collective aspirations have shaped the current political preferences and frameworks within Russian society.

The text advocates for a comprehensive analysis of the historical, ideological, and social forces that have nurtured Putinism, concentrating not on Putin's persona but on the systemic issues and societal attitudes reinforcing his rule.
Key cultural trends influencing this ideology include nationalism, kleptocracy, militarism, and a collective yearning for strong leadership shaped by both historical legacies and contemporary challenges.

This narrative highlights contrasts between perceptions of Putinism domestically in Russia and media portrayals in the West, revealing significant gaps in understanding Russian society's complexities.
Simplistic dichotomies that frame Putin merely as a threated actor overlook the nuanced realities of Russian socio-political dynamics, intersecting with problematic nationalist sentiments and leading to a broader misinterpretation of Russian identity and values.

An informed understanding of Putinism must encompass the masses, the historical trends that have shaped society, and the ideologies underpinning the current regime.
The study emphasizes the critical importance of addressing societal roots of support for authoritarian figures to grasp the complexities of Russian governance and effectively strategize for potential liberal openings and democratic renewal in the future.