Russia moves from autocracy, orthodoxy, nationality to new ideological triad

A new ideological triad — “Sovereign country. Traditional society. Social state” — has begun to emerge in Russia, replacing the old framework of “Autocracy. Orthodoxy. Nationality,” and shaping how the country defines its values and guides political decisions, according to Boris Rapoport, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, in his article “Political Challenges of Russia: History and Modernity.” 

In the article written for the Civic Awareness Bulletin, Rapoport discusses how decisions are made in the country when facing various threats.

The author believes that Russia should rely on “civilised constants,” tested by time, when making decisions, which makes politics “anti-fragile.”

Rapoport noted that every decision in Russia is made under the influence of three components: national goals and values, public demand, and historical experience. The support for the “anti-fragility” of politics is provided by three constants, which give society three essential beliefs — in the country, in the people around us, and in the future.

“Now they [the constants] have transformed into new words — ‘Sovereign country. Traditional society. Social state,’” Rapoport writes in his article.

The official interprets sovereignty as unity around the leader and a reflection of external threats. According to Rapoport, a traditional society embodies generational continuity, loyalty to traditions, and spiritual-moral values. The third constant, the social state, is understood as social protection of citizens amid growing inequality.

By Jeyhun Aghazada