Publication

This issue of the RAD explores two aspects of the way the Russian government conducts politics under President Vladimir Putin. The first article looks at how Moscow is apparently exploiting ideological conservatism to manipulate public opinion, both at home and abroad. It contends that the gap between the regime’s conservative sloganeering and its actual conduct will, in the longer term, undermine its credibility. The second article examines the special relationship between the Putin regime and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. It concludes that the latter will be able to continue his aggressive behavior towards neighboring countries with few constraints. The final component of this issue features polling data on the Russian public's opinion of patriotism and Ramzan Kadyrov.