Dressed Up for a Riot

1. Post-Soviet Russia: A Nation in Transition and Identity Crisis

"Russia, I felt, was on the verge of something fascinating."

A country in flux. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia found itself grappling with its new identity. The 1990s saw a rapid transition to capitalism, bringing both opportunity and chaos. Oligarchs emerged, amassing vast wealth through privatization, while many ordinary citizens struggled with economic hardship.

Cultural whiplash. The sudden influx of Western influence created a cultural dissonance. Russians were torn between embracing their new freedoms and longing for the stability of the past. This tension manifested in politics, art, and everyday life, as the nation sought to redefine itself in the post-Soviet era.

Key elements of transition:

• Privatization of state assets
• Rise of oligarchs
• Influx of Western culture and products
• Economic instability
• Political uncertainty

2. The Rise of Putin and the Erosion of Democracy

"Putin's brand of oppression was built on a kind of systemic self-hypnosis—there were never any mass purges, just a handful of show trials and corporate takeovers after which everyone else has gotten the message."

Consolidation of power. Vladimir Putin's ascent to power marked a turning point in Russian politics. Initially seen as a stabilizing force after the chaotic Yeltsin years, Putin gradually centralized authority and dismantled democratic institutions.

The illusion of democracy. Putin's regime maintained a facade of democratic processes while systematically undermining opposition and independent media. This "managed democracy" allowed for limited dissent but ensured the ruling party's continued dominance.

Key aspects of Putin's rule:

• Control over major media outlets
• Appointment of loyal governors and officials
• Weakening of opposition parties
• Strategic use of nationalist rhetoric
• Cultivation of a strong-man image

3. The 2011-2012 Protests: A Fleeting Moment of Hope

"Moscow's Bolotnaya Square could be the new Tahrir."

Unprecedented mobilization. The 2011-2012 protests, sparked by allegations of election fraud, represented the largest demonstrations in Russia since the 1990s. Tens of thousands of citizens, primarily from the urban middle class, took to the streets demanding fair elections and political reform.

A diverse coalition. The protest movement brought together a wide range of political factions, from liberals to nationalists, united in their opposition to Putin's regime. This diversity, while initially a strength, ultimately contributed to the movement's inability to sustain momentum and effect lasting change.

Key features of the protests:

• Use of social media for organization
• Creative and humorous protest signs
• Emergence of new opposition leaders
• Government's initial hesitation in response
• Eventual crackdown and increased repression

4. The Media Landscape: From Independent Voices to State Control

"The state simply set the tone, leaving the rest of the society to interpret it."

Gradual suppression. Over the course of Putin's rule, Russia's media landscape transformed dramatically. Independent outlets were systematically targeted through various means, including ownership changes, legal pressure, and outright censorship.

Self-censorship and propaganda. As direct state control increased, many journalists and media organizations began to self-censor, avoiding sensitive topics. State-controlled media, meanwhile, became increasingly propagandistic, promoting the government's narrative and demonizing opposition figures.

Evolution of Russian media:

• Takeover of major television networks
• Pressure on independent newspapers and websites
• Rise of state-funded international outlets like RT
• Increased restrictions on foreign media ownership
• Growth of online platforms as alternative information sources

5. Pussy Riot and the Clash of Culture and Politics

"For the honor and dignity alone with which they handled their arrest, trial, and prison, I never looked at Nadya or Masha with anything other than awe."

Provocative protest. The punk collective Pussy Riot gained international attention with their 2012 performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Their action, intended as a protest against the close relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Putin regime, sparked a fierce debate about art, politics, and religious sensibilities.

Disproportionate response. The harsh sentences handed down to Pussy Riot members (two years in prison for "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred") highlighted the regime's intolerance for dissent. The case became a rallying point for both domestic opposition and international critics of Putin's government.

Impact of the Pussy Riot case:

• Increased global awareness of Russian political repression
• Debate over the role of art in political protest
• Spotlight on the influence of the Orthodox Church in Russian politics
• Polarization of Russian society on issues of free speech and blasphemy
• Emergence of new symbols of resistance in Russian culture

6. The Annexation of Crimea and Russia's Renewed Nationalism

"The great post-Soviet Russian dream, it turned out, was this: to do something that America would really, really disapprove of, and to get away with it."

Geopolitical gambit. The 2014 annexation of Crimea marked a dramatic shift in Russia's foreign policy and its relationship with the West. Putin framed the move as a necessary protection of ethnic Russians and a correction of historical injustice.

Surge in patriotism. The annexation was met with overwhelming support within Russia, fueling a wave of nationalist sentiment. This patriotic fervor allowed the government to further consolidate power and marginalize opposition voices.

Consequences of the Crimea annexation:

• International sanctions against Russia
• Deterioration of relations with the West
• Increased domestic support for Putin
• Shift towards a more confrontational foreign policy
• Economic challenges due to isolation and sanctions

7. The Author's Journey: From American Immigrant to Russian Editor

"I was now officially a bully and a thug. Thankfully, on the steps of the Bolshoi on a Swan Lake night, there would be plenty of witnesses."

Cultural reintegration. The author's experience as an American-raised Russian returning to Moscow offers a unique perspective on the country's transformation. His role as editor of GQ Russia placed him at the intersection of Western media culture and Russian society.

Navigating contradictions. The author grappled with the complexities of modern Russia, from the allure of its cultural scene to the frustrations of its political reality. His journey illustrates the challenges faced by liberal-minded Russians in a increasingly authoritarian environment.

Key aspects of the author's experience:

• Balancing Western and Russian perspectives
• Confronting anti-Semitism and xenophobia
• Navigating the world of Russian media and celebrity
• Witnessing the transformation of Moscow's cultural scene
• Struggling with ethical dilemmas in a changing political landscape

8. The Transformation of Russian Television and Entertainment

"Rushkin may have been a bit of a therapy session for me, but it certainly wasn't a j'accuse."

Creative renaissance. Despite political constraints, Russian television and film experienced a period of creative growth. New formats and genres emerged, often drawing inspiration from Western productions while adapting to local tastes and realities.

Political undertones. Even seemingly apolitical entertainment often reflected broader social and political trends. The author's own projects, such as "Londongrad" and "Rushkin," attempted to navigate this landscape, blending humor and social commentary.

Trends in Russian entertainment:

• Increased production values and budgets
• Adaptation of popular Western formats
• Rise of politically tinged satire and comedy
• Growing influence of streaming platforms
• Tension between creative ambition and state control

9. The Impact of Western Sanctions and Russia's Counter-Sanctions

"Ironically, most Russians mistook Putin's counter-sanction—felt within days, as grocery stores' cheese aisles turned into cabinets of curd curiosities—for the effect of the Western sanctions, which didn't target consumers."

Economic consequences. Western sanctions, imposed in response to the Crimea annexation and involvement in eastern Ukraine, had a significant impact on the Russian economy. The value of the ruble plummeted, and certain sectors faced significant challenges.

Defiant response. Russia's counter-sanctions, particularly the ban on food imports from Western countries, were framed as a patriotic stand against foreign pressure. This narrative, coupled with calls for import substitution, aimed to rally domestic support despite economic hardships.

Effects of sanctions and counter-sanctions:

• Decline in foreign investment
• Acceleration of Russia's pivot towards Asia
• Boost to domestic agriculture and food production
• Rise in nationalist sentiment and anti-Western rhetoric
• Long-term structural changes in the Russian economy

10. The Exodus of Liberal Intellectuals and the New Russia

"Everyone with so much as a drop of Jewish blood applied for Israeli citizenship. The line at the consulate, Smolina said, 'felt like 1992.'"

Brain drain. The combination of political repression and economic uncertainty led to a significant exodus of liberal-minded Russians, particularly from the creative and intellectual classes. This emigration echoed earlier waves of departures in Russian history.

Reshaping society. The departure of many opposition voices, coupled with increased state control over media and education, has profoundly impacted Russian society. The resulting landscape is one where dissenting views are increasingly marginalized.

Characteristics of the new emigration wave:

• Predominantly young, educated professionals
• Diverse destinations (EU countries, Israel, US, etc.)
• Utilization of digital technologies to maintain connections
• Establishment of Russian-language communities abroad
• Continued engagement with Russian culture and politics from afar

Last updated: November 23, 2024