"the FSB, for all its violent faults, is much better known for suppressing radical nationalists than for running them."
I recall an inhabiter of the Dark Web telling me of a "honey pot" website where criminals, terrorists and those generally who thought living within the law was too constraining would meet. The website facilitated deals, set up introductions and was a place where those of common interests could exchange information. It was run by MI5. They were not interested in what the criminals were upto or planning - they were after the terrorists, potential or otherwise.
That the FSB should be engaged in a similar activity should also (I would suggest) be no surprise.
I am glad you are back! Those are jaw-dropping quotes from the reports, although not surprising. They don't bode well for a democratic/open Russia anytime soon, and I cannot imagine how the world will survive these blind nationalist behemoths—both Russia and MAGA's United States. The quotes really illustrate how these strongmen and their supporters admire, learn from, and play off each other worldwide. I appreciate this analysis and these resources, thank you.
Query: There seems to be what seems to be significant mockery of Trump in Russian media. What’s that about?
I think the Putin/Trump dynamic boils down to Trump really, really, really wanting a Trump property in Moscow and will do anything to get Putin’s approval for that — which obviously can’t realistically happen while Trump’s in office. So I suppose however much Trump’s mocked in Russian media, it doesn’t really matter. IIRC, the mockery may be in the context of building up Putin and Russian national pride.
It worked straight of X. Or appeared to. Subsequent to submission l then read this. A perfect example of why l think it’s a worthy contribution to Russian studies. I was aware of the conference but not the competing political paper. Nor any idea what they signalled. The ‘after Putin’ issue is clearly very and increasingly relevant as the old doddering dinosaur locked in 1989, approaches his mortal fate. My guess is that this will trigger a massive internalised bun fight between competing groups based on self interest preservation or its corollary, advancement. This post therefore offered insight into that and the inherent tensions without churlish predictions. So well worth the read with my glass of French rose. Thanks
I was able to do it. As much as I'd like to become a paid subscriber, I'm not, due to the fact I live on a pension. But when & if I can, I certainly will.
"the FSB, for all its violent faults, is much better known for suppressing radical nationalists than for running them."
I recall an inhabiter of the Dark Web telling me of a "honey pot" website where criminals, terrorists and those generally who thought living within the law was too constraining would meet. The website facilitated deals, set up introductions and was a place where those of common interests could exchange information. It was run by MI5. They were not interested in what the criminals were upto or planning - they were after the terrorists, potential or otherwise.
That the FSB should be engaged in a similar activity should also (I would suggest) be no surprise.
Good to have you back!
I am glad you are back! Those are jaw-dropping quotes from the reports, although not surprising. They don't bode well for a democratic/open Russia anytime soon, and I cannot imagine how the world will survive these blind nationalist behemoths—both Russia and MAGA's United States. The quotes really illustrate how these strongmen and their supporters admire, learn from, and play off each other worldwide. I appreciate this analysis and these resources, thank you.
Great update thank you. So glad I found your tldr newsletter way back at the start of the full scale invasion. Survey completed.
Query: There seems to be what seems to be significant mockery of Trump in Russian media. What’s that about?
I think the Putin/Trump dynamic boils down to Trump really, really, really wanting a Trump property in Moscow and will do anything to get Putin’s approval for that — which obviously can’t realistically happen while Trump’s in office. So I suppose however much Trump’s mocked in Russian media, it doesn’t really matter. IIRC, the mockery may be in the context of building up Putin and Russian national pride.
Only paid subscribers can submit the survey, I thihk
That's not the way it's supposed to be -- especially because the newsletter is entirely free! Let me see if I can fix that.
It worked straight of X. Or appeared to. Subsequent to submission l then read this. A perfect example of why l think it’s a worthy contribution to Russian studies. I was aware of the conference but not the competing political paper. Nor any idea what they signalled. The ‘after Putin’ issue is clearly very and increasingly relevant as the old doddering dinosaur locked in 1989, approaches his mortal fate. My guess is that this will trigger a massive internalised bun fight between competing groups based on self interest preservation or its corollary, advancement. This post therefore offered insight into that and the inherent tensions without churlish predictions. So well worth the read with my glass of French rose. Thanks
Great - problem was the submit button was permanently greyed out. But it works now.
Not working for me, it’s still grayed out
I was able to do it. As much as I'd like to become a paid subscriber, I'm not, due to the fact I live on a pension. But when & if I can, I certainly will.
This Substack is free. No payment required or even allowed.
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Indeed!
I'm not sure how that happened!
Never mind - it gave me a much needed laugh.
Happens to me sometimes too.
Ha ha! :)