Nationalism and greatness : Russia under the Putin presidencies

In this chapter contemporary Russian nationalism is treated as sentiments of national identity diffused throughout Russian society and demonstrated in policies led by the incumbent president, Vladimir Putin. The chapter deals with the shapes nationalism has taken under Putin’s authoritarian leadership and discusses what explains his apparent popularity at home. To provide context for the analysis, the historical background is briefly accounted for. What sentiments have been used to pave the way for Putin’s ascent to power and what were the means used to bring him to this position? The central argument is that Vladimir Putin’s popular appeal lies in the fact that he has managed to get across that he is uniquely suited to safeguard Russia’s status as a great power – a core value of Russian national identity –, to preserve order and stability at home, and hold Russia’s own against an outside world often depicted as hostile