117 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Phillip's avatar

The incoherence of the narrative on Russia is breathtaking. Putin is alleged to be a Marxist, a Tsarist, a religious fanatic and a corrupt gangster, as well as the world's richest man and psychologically insecure too. We are told that Russia has no manufacturing and is backwards...no mention of nuclear ice-breakers, satellites or space exploration.

Expand full comment
Matthew Hodges's avatar

I am reading one of Richard one of Richard Sakwa’s books about Russia at the moment. It’s probably a bit too detailed for me, but it so clearly demonstrates how cartoonish the portrayal of Russia/Putin in western media is. Countries like Russia and their leaders simply serve as bogeymen in our discourse - the reality is that their politics and histories are as varied and multifaceted as anywhere else.

Expand full comment
Al DuClur's avatar

Don't forget that we are constantly told Putin is dying so I don't see what they are so worried about

Expand full comment
Phillip's avatar

And after he is dead we can look forward to rumours of sightings, as well as conspiracy theories involving reincarnation, cryogenics, time travel, alien abduction and frozen sperm.

Expand full comment