In connection with the latest events in the international arena, several characteristic tendencies have emerged in Russian society. People began to pay more attention to the problems of international politics and the place of their country in the world, as well as to more actively show their patriotism. In addition, there is a desire of society to rally around its leaders, which is reflected in the high ratings of trust in the authorities. Naturally, not everyone is satisfied with such phenomena. This results in critical or aggressive statements, as well as curious publications in the press.
On October 26, the British edition of The Independent published an article Russia’s military renaissance attempts to bring the army into the heart of society, authored by Nadia Bird. The author of the publication made an attempt to study the recent past and the current situation, as well as to predict the possible further development of events. Looking ahead, we can say that not all readers will agree with the conclusions of the British edition.
The Independent begins his article with a description of recent events. Shortly after the start of the air operation in Syria, new products appeared in the Moscow store "Army of Russia". Buyers were able to purchase the latest graphic T-shirts in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Previously, the store sold mainly goods with the logo of the Russian army. Its assortment includes clothes, bags and even cases for mobile phones in the appropriate design. The store opened shortly after the "annexation of Crimea", and now, in connection with the "new enterprise of President Vladimir Putin", its assortment has been replenished with new products. According to the author of the article, such things are now inappropriate in Russia.
N. Byrd believes that in connection with the events in the Crimea, Eastern Ukraine and Syria, the Russian army is "reborn at home." The latest actions of Russia in Syria seem to have led to the fact that foreign countries are ready to make concessions in relation to B. Assad and may recognize his right to participate in the presidential elections. At the same time, the Russian army, which will not participate in the ground operation, can now serve as a "stronghold of ideology."
The author of The Independent recalls a recent proposal submitted to the State Duma. One of the newest bills may be a confirmation of the assumptions about a new "support" for ideology. Deputy Aleksey Didenko (LDPR party) made a proposal that should change the existing system of punishment execution. It is proposed to use the army as a means of "re-education" of criminals who did not commit serious and violent crimes, as well as those convicted for the first time.
According to the author of the proposal, the army is a more effective "educational institution" in comparison with a prison. It is a well-known fact, the deputy reminds, that the army helps people. Even a criminal, having served in the army, will be able to change his worldview and become a normal person.
According to N. Byrd, such proposals of the State Duma are hardly surprising. The author calls the State Duma "Mr. Putin" a platform for outlandish things inspired by popular trends. In addition, it is noted that the further fate of the bill is not yet fully clear. It may not pass the required three readings, but at the same time it is the result of "a push coming from the highest circles of the country's leadership." The aim of this proposal is called the normalization of the army and its "return to the heart of society."
The article quotes the words of the professor of the Higher School of Economics Sergei Medvedev. He argues that the Russian leadership has managed to link its actions, such as domestic policy towards the war in Ukraine or attitude towards events in Syria, with the idea of some kind of global threat that Russia is opposing.
Medvedev also added that currently the orange and black St. George ribbon has become a real symbol of the new Russia (the author of the article adds that this ribbon became popular after the "annexation of Crimea"). In addition, such a symbol of the country as the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which even exists in the form of stickers for cars, has become very popular.
"Militaristic fervor", according to the author, is not limited to politics. Recently, a military-oriented Patriot park was opened to the west of Moscow. In this place, children can "play on tanks, hold weapons and watch military exercises." Older visitors, in turn, can even sign up for military service. At the opening ceremony in June, V. Putin called the new park an important element of the system of military-patriotic work with youth. A year earlier, another park was opened in Nizhny Novgorod, designed for teenagers from 12 to 18 years old, where they were taught the basics of military affairs and were given lessons on "how to love your country."
The new image of the Russian Army, popular and friendly for family institutions, began to take shape relatively recently - after the “annexation of Crimea” and the outbreak of war in Ukraine. N. Byrd notes that at this time the Russian state mass media began to form their own picture of the so-called. Maidan. From their point of view, the coup in Ukraine was carried out with the support of the United States, and the Russian armed forces are the only force capable of protecting the country from external threats. All this contributed to the rise of patriotic sentiments.
The situation developed after the start of the operation in Syria. The conflict in this country remains on the verge of becoming an indirect war between Russia and the West. Soon after the start of air strikes on enemy targets, the Russian Ministry of Defense began publishing videos showing the results of the sorties. Videos like these shocked even Kremlin critics.
The Russian and Syrian state media, the author notes, believe that the operation of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria is leading to the expected results. In addition, Syrian President B. Assad met with Russian politicians and noted that after the end of the war, elections may be held in the country. Answering a question about the position of the Syrian leadership, Russian State Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov said that B. Assad is ready for dialogue with all forces that are interested in the restoration of Syria. In addition, he agrees to hold parliamentary and presidential elections, constitutional reform, etc.
Against the backdrop of “growing international isolation,” Moscow continues to increase the activity of its armed forces both at home and abroad. For example, in 2008, plans were announced to return the army to the Arctic. Not so long ago, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the construction of three new bases in the Far North and one similar facility in the Kuril Islands. All these plans clearly show that Russia intends to defend even remote areas of its territory.
Nadia Byrd ends her article with a quote from a recent speech by Vladimir Putin. Speaking in Sochi after meeting with Bashar al-Assad, the Russian president recalled one thing that the streets of Leningrad taught him half a century ago. If a fight is inevitable, you should hit first. Probably, with this thesis, the author decided to summarize the entire article and make a hint at the further development of events.
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For the Russian reader, The Independent's article Russia’s military renaissance attempts to bring the army into the heart of society looks at least ambiguous. As expected, it contains political clichés characteristic of recent publications, such as “annexation of Crimea,” “militaristic fervor,” “international isolation,” and so on. De facto, such verbal constructions have become the standard of the press of foreign countries, which has to take into account the views of society and politicians, as well as the official position of governments.
Nevertheless, taking this factor into account, the article looks ambiguous. The short article consistently mentions the growth of patriotic sentiments, the bill on sending convicts for minor crimes to the army, as well as the Patriot Park in Kubinka and the Syrian operation. Indeed, all these things, with certain reservations, can be connected with the help of the “main thread” in the form of patriotism, but such a logical construction turns out to be complex and implicit.
The only thesis of the article, with which it is difficult to argue, is the assertion about the growth of patriotic sentiments in society. Since the beginning of last year, including in connection with the events of that time, Russians began to show more patriotism, as well as more interested in the army. The armed forces are gradually regaining their former respect and are becoming as important a part of society and the state as they were several decades ago.
The causes, consequences and features of such "transformations" may be the topic of a separate long dispute. Nevertheless, attitudes towards the army are changing, as is the growing patriotism of society. Apparently, not everyone is satisfied with such trials, which is why accusations of aggressiveness, "militaristic fervor", etc. are voiced. But it can be assumed that all these negative factors are unlikely to affect the observed positive trends.
