Authoritarian Legitimation through Russia’s Rhetorical and Institutional Resistance to the International Criminal Court

• In Event: Inside Russian Authoritarianism: Multi-Level Legitimation and Institutional Adaptation

Abstract

This article explores the phenomenon of legitimation in Russia, with a focus on its resistance to
the International Criminal Court (ICC) during its investigation into the situation in Ukraine.
Authoritarian legitimation is conceptualized as the strategic use of rhetorical and institutional
mechanisms to justify state authority, consolidate domestic support, and evade international
accountability. Drawing on an analysis of Russian-language media, including state-controlled
outlets and social media from 2014 to 2024, the article examines how rhetorical strategies
shape public opinion, amplifying appeals to patriotism and sovereign exceptionalism to
legitimize non-compliance. The analysis also considers legal changes as part of the institutional
mechanisms of authoritarian legitimation, illustrating how the Kremlin leverages laws and
institutions to reject ICC jurisdiction and reinforce state control. By situating these strategies
within the broader framework of authoritarian legitimation, the article underscores the
adaptability of authoritarian regimes in undermining global justice while sustaining domestic
governance. This analysis enhances understanding of the interplay between law, politics, and
media in shaping the global landscape of criminal justice.

Author

• Yuliya Zabyelina, U of Alabama