The hottest Russian Politics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Glenn’s Substack β€’ 1978 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 24
  1. Putin believes that long-range missiles provided by NATO will turn the conflict into a direct war between NATO and Russia. He warns this could escalate to nuclear war.
  2. The situation reflects a shift from a proxy war, where NATO supported Ukraine against Russia indirectly, to a direct confrontation. Incremental steps by NATO have blurred the lines between these two types of conflict.
  3. There is a concern that Russia will respond aggressively if NATO attacks. This could lead to serious escalation, putting the world at risk of a nuclear exchange.
Diane Francis β€’ 979 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  1. After Navalny's death, Russia lacks a strong leader or unifying figure to challenge Putin. The country is still under a harsh dictatorship.
  2. The opposition in Russia is divided and struggling to work together. Until they unite and create a clear plan, they won't be able to effectively challenge the government.
  3. Fear and repression have silenced many Russians, making it hard for them to voice opposition or support a movement. True change will require bravery and solid organization among the opposition.
Astral Codex Ten β€’ 6194 implied HN points β€’ 04 Aug 23
  1. During the fall of the Soviet Union, activists creatively countered authorities by using lemons to silence a brass band.
  2. Corrupt officials, including Vladimir Putin, diverted imported meat from Leningrad to Moscow leading up to a failed coup.
  3. US politicians have cute personal stories to humanize, but Putin's lack of reaction to his dog's death reflects his impervious exterior.
Diane Francis β€’ 839 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 23
  1. Putin has built a powerful system in Russia that's very wealthy and focused on military strength. He controls a lot of valuable resources, more than anyone else in the world.
  2. The amount of money Putin has is staggering, making him the richest person by some estimates, even though he isn't listed as a billionaire anywhere. Most Russian billionaires are actually just working for him.
  3. This huge amount of wealth allows Putin to have a lot of influence over world affairs and wars, showing how money can shape power and control in the world.
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Russian Dissent β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. A new opposition candidate in Russia is gaining significant public attention and support, challenging the established political landscape.
  2. The emergence of Boris Nadezhdin as a popular presidential candidate reflects deeper political trends and divisions within the Russian government.
  3. Nadezhdin's campaign, focused on anti-war sentiments and democratic changes, is resonating with a growing number of Russian citizens, sparking civic activity and potentially impacting the legitimacy of upcoming elections.
Glen’s Substack β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Sep 24
  1. The protests in Bashkortostan started over environmental issues but are now pushing for independence. People want their land protected and feel it needs to be part of their national identity.
  2. Ignoring the unrest in Bashkortostan could be a mistake. Just like in Estonia years ago, these movements can lead to significant changes in government power and national independence.
  3. Bashkortostan is in a strategic location with a diverse population, making it a vital area for potential independence movements. If the protests grow stronger, it could inspire other regions in Russia to seek their own freedom.
Yasha Levine β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 23
  1. Prigozhin criticizes Putin's military leadership and corruption, highlighting issues in Russia's military structure.
  2. Czech president suggests monitoring Russians abroad, drawing parallels to Japanese internment during WWII.
  3. Discussion on forgotten history, liberal bigotry, and a new book revealing Israel's secret service attacks in Baghdad to trigger Jewish migration.
TL;DRussia β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 23
  1. Vladimir Kara-Murza sentenced to 25 years in prison for telling the truth, signaling harsh repression against political activists in Russia
  2. Alexei Navalny facing new political trial, likely to receive severe sentence, highlighting increased persecution of opposition figures
  3. Kremlin's actions targeting three audiences: Russian opposition, elite, and security state, with broader signaling of crackdown on dissent
kamilkazani β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jul 23
  1. Valentina Matvienko began her career in the Soviet Youth Committee and later transitioned to the Communist Party.
  2. Matvienko gained notoriety for her ability to drink more than grown men, earning her the nickname Valya the Glass.
  3. During Perestroika, Matvienko joined the Soviet unelected through the NGO quota and led the Committee to Protect Women, Family, Motherhood, and Childhood.
Diane Francis β€’ 879 implied HN points β€’ 22 Aug 22
  1. The recent assassination of Alexander Dugin's daughter in Moscow has shaken Russia and raised questions about its leadership. This event might signal internal strife within Russian powers as high-profile killings are uncommon there.
  2. Dugin, known as 'Putin's Rasputin', has greatly influenced Putin's policies. His ideas promote a confrontational stance against the West and support for aggressive tactics, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  3. Dugin's philosophy isn't limited to Russia; it has connections to far-right movements worldwide. The assassination could change public support for Putin's war, potentially increasing tensions within Russia and changing the war's dynamics.
kamilkazani β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 18 Aug 23
  1. Sergey Kirienko played a significant role in Putin's rise to power and centralization of rule in Russia
  2. Kirienko's surname change from Israitel to Kirienko may have been a strategic career move in the USSR
  3. Kirienko began his bureaucratic career in the Soviet Union as a Komsomol manager in his high school class
Diane Francis β€’ 6 HN points β€’ 22 Aug 24
  1. Ukraine's recent military actions have turned the tide of the war, causing significant distress for Russia. This bold move has shown Ukraine's strength and highlighted weaknesses within Russia.
  2. Key figures in Russia are publicly questioning Putin's leadership and the war efforts. This shift indicates growing unrest and doubt about the government's stability among the elite.
  3. International dynamics are shifting as world leaders see Russia's struggles. Countries like India and Germany are considering more involvement, which could change the course of support for Ukraine.
Comment is Freed β€’ 305 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 23
  1. Putin's authority in Russia is being directly challenged by Yevgeny Prigozhin, potentially impacting the regime and the war.
  2. Prigozhin's mutiny reveals tensions within Russia's military leadership and dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war.
  3. The outcome of Prigozhin's actions, whether he succeeds or fails, will have significant implications for the Russian regime and the ongoing conflict.
Unpopular Front β€’ 33 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin revealed a mix of propaganda and lack of a clear narrative for the war in Ukraine, showing the fragility of Russia's post-Soviet political project.
  2. Putin's discourse reflects a fixation on 'special services' and a belief in Western encroachment, connecting to fears rooted in past political upheavals in the region.
  3. The war in Ukraine is seen as a way for the Russian ruling class to consolidate power domestically amidst growing opposition, tying foreign policy to regime stability.