The report discusses the rise of conservative and ultra-conservative values in Russia under President Vladimir Putin's administration, and its implications on Russian identity and society. The shift towards traditionalism and conservatism is evident across various aspects including education, family roles, gender, and national pride.
In education, history textbooks have been revised to align with narratives of Russia's greatness, instilling patriotism in students. Military spirit is promoted through toys, school drills, and the establishment of a youth patriotic-military movement called Yunarmia. This movement serves as the military wing of the Russian School Movement established by Putin, aiming to educate children in "Russian value system".
In family and gender roles, the mother is portrayed as the backbone of the household, always dressed elegantly. A law passed in 2017 permits some domestic violence. Homophobia has become an educational value, associating homosexuality with unnaturalness and contamination. Teachers who promote "gay propaganda" face legal repercussions.
The report also discusses the unique emphasis on traditional values that Putin associates with Russian identity, despite these values being shared by conservative sectors in other countries with different political regimes. This strategy has led to Russia positioning itself as a defender of Christian civilization's supposed essences.
The report further explores the decline of intellectual role in moral consciousness and the rise of political opposition within the state apparatus, rather than genuine opposition to the government. The Russian government has used this narrative to frame political opponents as enemies of the state and "foreign agents".
However, the report also points out that the Kremlin's power may be overstated. The society increasingly seeks answers beyond national glory to address growing material hardships. Local elections show that independent candidates are gaining ground in Moscow. In September 2017, several districts in Moscow voted for independent candidates, and in 2018, four regions in Russia ousted Kremlin-backed gubernatorial candidates.
The attraction of Russia lies primarily in its military might, energy resources, and international arms trade, rather than its soft power or cultural appeal. The effectiveness of the Kremlin's information warfare is limited by growing awareness of its true nature. The need for extensive disinformation efforts to undermine the European project suggests the weakness of Putin's model of governance, indicating that his own merits alone may not be sufficient.
