Putinism - A New Political Ideology

Putinism, as a term and concept, was first mentioned in 2000 when Russian political scientist Andrei Piontkovsky described it as "the ultimate and final stage of bandit capitalism in Russia." Since then, the word has come to denote not just the political system that developed under Vladimir Putin's leadership but also an entire ideology combining elements of conservatism, authoritarianism, and nationalism.

Key Characteristics of Putinism

Personal Dictatorship: Putinism is characterized as a system where power is concentrated in the hands of one person, Vladimir Putin, who is seen as the key element of stability and governance.

Conservative Values: The ideology relies on traditional values, promoting national identity and patriotism, which became particularly pronounced after 2012.

Authoritarianism: The governance system underscores a strong vertical of power, limiting freedom of speech and controlling information, sometimes leading to accusations of censorship and repression against the opposition.

Geopolitical Aspirations: Putinism seeks to restore Russia's influence on the global stage, which is expressed through military and political actions, such as the conflict with Ukraine.

Ideological Roots

Putinism encompasses a wide range of ideas, including:

Nationalism and Patriotism: Strengthening national identity through propaganda and cultural initiatives.

Sovereign Democracy: A concept introduced by Vladislav Surkov, emphasizing that democracy in Russia should be sovereign, i.e., determined by the Russian people themselves, not by Western standards.

Economic Paternalism: Support for state control over key sectors of the economy, which sometimes leads to corruption and monopolization.

Criticism and Support

Criticism: Many criticize Putinism for authoritarianism, corruption, suppression of freedoms, and aggressive foreign policy. Western media and politicians often label this system as nationalist and authoritarian.

Support: Within Russia, Putinism finds support among those who value stability, the restoration of great power status, and opposition to Western influence. This is also bolstered through control over media and propaganda, which highlights the regime's successes and achievements.

Putinism as a political ideology represents a complex blend of authoritarian, nationalist, and conservative ideas, adapted to contemporary Russian realities. This system evokes admiration within the country for stability and strength, as well as criticism outside it for the suppression of freedoms and aggressive foreign policy. The question of whether Putinism will be a long-term ideology or a temporary phenomenon remains open.