Moulioukova emphasized the structure of the Russia state and the power of the state-controlled media that both codifies and amplifies the narrative of a powerful Russia and whose messaging strives to disrupt Western democracies. Russia is essentially an isolated country that so far has managed to survive,” said Dina Moulioukova, a senior lecturer for the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development in the College of Arts and Sciences. “What we’ve seen has been a wave of redistribution through privatization of the wealth of Western assets from the capital flight from Russia, a consolidation of power, complete control over media space, and approval ratings for Putin that remain unchanged.

Sanctions have hurt, but not crippled the Russian economy, and, despite an aborted uprising a month ago that raised the specter of political turmoil in Russia, the absence of any leadership alternative and the nature of the global economy indicates that the Russian president is as entrenched as ever in power.

Russian military tanks for sale