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Inside Putin's Russia -- Watch the full documentary

PBS NewsHour・47 minutes read

Nick Schifrin and producer Zac Fannin's exploration of Russian identity reveals a society deeply intertwined with Orthodox Christianity and state propaganda, as demonstrated by figures like Archpriest Ivan Garmisch and the Kremlin's extensive disinformation campaigns aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting a narrative of national strength. Amidst a backdrop of political persecution and protests led by opposition figures such as Alexei Navalny, the tensions between the Russian regime and its citizens highlight a struggle for accountability and the dangers faced by those who oppose the government.

Insights

Nick Schifrin and producer Zac Fannin's exploration of Russian identity reveals a strong intertwining of religion and nationalism, particularly in Krasnodar, where the Orthodox Church plays a significant role in promoting state loyalty and endorsing military actions under President Putin's regime.
The Kremlin's strategic use of disinformation and propaganda, exemplified by the "four Ds" approach, effectively shapes public perception and suppresses dissent, reflecting a broader effort to maintain control over the narrative surrounding Russia's geopolitical stance and internal politics.
Opposition figures like Alexei Navalny face severe repercussions for their activism, highlighting the dangers of dissent in Russia, where public protests against corruption are met with violent suppression, revealing a growing discontent among younger generations despite the regime's efforts to maintain an atmosphere of fear.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Russian Identity and State Propaganda

Nick Schifrin and producer Zac Fannin traveled to over a dozen cities in Russia, conducting 40 interviews and facing two arrests while exploring Russian identity and propaganda.
The series begins in Krasnodar, where over 70% of Russians identify as Orthodox Christians, highlighting the church's revitalization under President Putin's leadership.
Archpriest Ivan Garmisch, known as Father John, emphasizes that true Christianity equates to being a true Russian, merging faith with patriotism in contemporary Russia.
The Orthodox Church criticizes Western liberal values, endorses Putin, and blesses Russian military actions, reinforcing the connection between state and religion in Russian society.
Vladimir Gromov, leader of the regional Cossack army, revitalized Cossack traditions, receiving the Order of Friendship from Putin, who is viewed as a protector of Russian pride.
Cossacks have historically acted as enforcers for the state, recently engaging in violence against opposition figures, reflecting the regime's use of affiliated groups to suppress dissent.
The Kremlin promotes a collective Russian identity rooted in patriotism and historical traditions, with ideologist Alexander Dugin advocating for a strong state to counter perceived Western threats.
Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Putin's popularity surged to nearly 90%, as many Russians felt a renewed sense of national pride and power.
The Kremlin's information warfare includes disinformation campaigns, with state-controlled media shaping public perception and targeting dissenting voices to maintain control.
Critics argue that the Kremlin's media strategy distorts reality, aiming to unify public opinion and suppress opposition, while promoting a narrative of Russian strength against external threats.

15:41

Russian Disinformation and Cyber Warfare Tactics

The FSB, successor to the KGB, is accused of launching disinformation campaigns similar to those during the Soviet era, targeting Western democracies through hybrid warfare tactics.
Russian military recruitment ads have shifted focus to cyber warfare, with soldiers encouraged to engage in hacking rather than traditional combat roles.
U.S. intelligence reported Russia's hacking of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign, leaking emails to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process.
WikiLeaks released damaging information about Clinton, including transcripts of paid speeches, which were amplified by fake accounts and trolls based in St. Petersburg.
Trolls like Marat Mindy ARA were instructed to create negative narratives about U.S. leaders, posting under various identities across multiple websites to influence public opinion.
Russian propaganda operates through a predictable strategy known as the "four Ds": dismiss, distort, distract, and dismay, effectively manipulating narratives across different platforms.
A false story about a German teenager's abduction was used to weaken Chancellor Merkel, showcasing how Russian media amplifies misinformation to achieve political goals.
The Russian propaganda machine echoed debunked claims about Google manipulating search results to favor Clinton, which were then picked up by conservative U.S. media.
Dagestan has seen a rise in youth joining ISIS, driven by a combination of radical Islam, poverty, and oppressive government actions, leading to a legacy of militancy.
Russian security forces have facilitated the departure of Dagestani fighters to Syria, claiming it reduces local terrorism, while many who left fear returning due to threats from authorities.

29:52

Escaping Conflict and Oppression in Syria and Russia

Kazim traveled to Aleppo's outskirts to rescue his son Murad, realizing the dire situation and destruction there, ultimately convincing him to leave for his child's safety.
Murad expressed constant thoughts of his son, recognizing his mistake in going to Syria, and felt fortunate to escape alive, as most people he knew had died.
Kazim felt a responsibility to share his experience to help others escape Syria, highlighting the thousands of ISIS fighters wanting to leave.
Amina, a neighbor of Kazim, fears for her daughter, missing for four months, and advises American mothers to keep their children close and prevent them from leaving.
A study revealed that 38 prominent Russians have faced unsolved murders or suspicious deaths in the last three years, reflecting the dangers of criticizing President Putin's regime.
Protests against Putin's reelection were met with police arrests, with over 100 demonstrators detained, showcasing the risks faced by opposition activists in Russia.
Vladimir Kara-Murza, an outspoken activist, survived two poisoning attempts, attributing them to his political activities against the Kremlin and the dangers of dissent in Russia.
The history of political assassinations in Russia includes notable figures like Boris Nemtsov and Anna Politkovskaya, illustrating the severe consequences for opposition members.
Masha Gessen, a prominent anti-Putin journalist, argues that the Kremlin's tactics involve creating an atmosphere of fear, targeting those who oppose the regime.
Alexei Navalny, a leading opposition figure, has mobilized protests against corruption, emphasizing the need for civil society and unity among Russians to challenge the government.

44:21

Navalny's Fight Against Corruption in Russia

Putin's regime is described as deeply corrupt, with significant public discontent stemming from protests ignited by Alexei Navalny in 2011 against a rigged parliamentary election.
Navalny's YouTube channel has garnered 23 million views, allowing him to bypass state media and mobilize tens of thousands for protests on March 26 and June 12 across 185 cities.
Protesters, primarily young, chanted slogans like "Putin's a thief," and police arrested 1,700 individuals, including Navalny, who received a 25-day jail sentence for organizing an unsanctioned rally.
Navalny's felony conviction in 2014 prevents him from running for office, yet he continues to campaign for the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing that the government owes the people.
Local authorities obstruct Navalny's campaign efforts, with campaign manager Semyon Coachken reporting rejections from landlords and hotels for event spaces in Cheboksary, 375 miles from Moscow.
Arrests of supporters, like orchestra member Andre Yusupov, highlight the risks of protesting, with Yusupov expressing confidence that Navalny would foster a more open government.
State media portrays Navalny's protests as threats to stability, while students challenge government narratives, indicating a generational shift in attitudes towards corruption and governance.
Navalny faces physical attacks, including being doused with milk and assaulted, yet he maintains that public outrage over corruption is growing, with two-thirds of Russians identifying it as a major issue.
Despite low poll numbers, Navalny's focus on corruption resonates with the public, prompting questions about government accountability even during Putin's town hall meetings.
The U.S.-Russia relationship remains strained, with tensions escalating over military encounters and allegations of election interference, as both nations seek to navigate their complex diplomatic landscape.

59:01

US Sanctions on Russia Amid Ongoing Conflicts

The U.S. maintains sanctions on Russia until issues in Ukraine and Syria are resolved, endorsing NATO's Article 5, while acknowledging ongoing Russian interference and espionage targeting U.S. vulnerabilities.

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