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The Politics of Russia’s War Machine

Sat, November 22, 2:00 to 3:45pm EST (2:00 to 3:45pm EST), -

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

This panel explores the shifting political dynamics within Russia as it wages war against Ukraine, highlighting how the regime maintains control, mobilizes support, and manages internal governance. Ira Busygina examines how war-driven shifts in center-regional-local relations have increased the power of regional governors while weakening local governance, reinforcing the Kremlin’s dependence on regional elites. Noah Buckley investigates the paradox of authoritarian mobilization, showing through a survey experiment that financial, patriotic, and social incentives fail to effectively drive voluntary military participation, revealing the limits of state propaganda. Regina Smith explores the impact of crisis and state disinformation on Russian societal values, using pre- and post-war surveys to assess whether wartime narratives have reshaped public conservatism. Finally, David Szakonyi analyzes how Russia balances the need for skilled technocrats with authoritarian control, demonstrating how Putin’s regime strategically monitors and constrains capable officials to maintain stability without sacrificing governance expertise. Together, these papers provide a nuanced understanding of Russia’s political machinery amid war.

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