Narrative propagation in Russia: a study in continuity

Abstract

Despite uncertainty and difficulties in the modern Russian Federation, the regime enjoys massive popularity among its people, with approval ratings unrivaled in the past twenty-five years. This is a result of a carefully constructed narrative, pieced together using the strongest elements of Soviet and Tsarist propaganda, and enforced with censorship techniques borrowed from Stalin. This thesis establishes the continuity in both the propagated narrative and the censorship techniques employed by the Tsars, Stalin, and Putin. It also demonstrates an evolution of Putin’s narrative, showing new innovations that have permitted the leader to maintain a strong level of support from the Russian populace, while silencing dissent.