2024: Russia's decisive year - A conversation with Andrei Kolesnikov

2024 is a crucial year for Russia; the Kremlin will face the challenge of elections and the conflict in Ukraine in a tumultuous geopolitical context.
Andrei Kolesnikov, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Eurasia Russia Center and a prominent expert in Russian politics, delves into the complexities of the country's internal dynamics, the impending presidential elections, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In this interview, Kolesnikov sheds light on the societal impacts of Russia's foreign and domestic policies, the state's approach to media and public opinion, and the nuanced reactions of the Russian populace to the government's conservative policies and war efforts. With his deep understanding of the intricate balance between state power and public sentiment, Kolesnikov provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and transformations facing Russia as it navigates a pivotal year.

[@thomasbenian4701]

With all due respect to Mr.Kolesnikov, I have a difficulty believing that all that happens to Russia, that all that Russia does, is somehow only because of Putin's leadership. Because this is what glaringly comes across from the interview. I will go as far as claim that Russia is not an autocracy. It is a populist majoritarian democracy. If Russian people want to change the regime, they only need to form the appropriate opposition party. There are currently 5 parties in the Russian Duma. The strongest one is United Russia which is a composite of two parties since 2002. Communists are the next largest party but with a membership of less than 20% of the size of the leading party. The west likes to call the opposition parties in the Duma as systemic opposition. In my view that same description would apply to say the UK Labor Party, or like the Canadian Conservative Party after all, they call themselves His Majesty's
Loyal Opposition. So I guess they are also systemic parties.
So no, Putin is not Russia and Russia is not Putin. Russia is whatever it is, but it is by the Russian People. They have the regime they want and if they do not want it, they can change it. Please lets not talk about rigged elections, they do not need to rig it, the majority will clearly vote for Putin. But when Putin is no more, there will be someone else who will follow a path that is best for the Russia at the given time.

[@michaelhenault1444]

Very interesting

[@Wolfvain-qs5su]

I can apply almost every thing in this conversation to western media and government.

[@johnwalsh4857]

after this war is over, Andrei will say he was bullied by Putin and always hated him hahhaahah

[@ugiswrong]

Let’s go vlad!

[@orsisrutherford4705]

Long live Putin❤

[@ThePettho]

… the bringer of war, poverty, criminality and extermination of Ukrainians. Putler the second Hitler 😢

[@Gerdeo64]

😂 nonsense