this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2024
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Angry Russians displaced after Ukraine crossed the border and invaded the Kursk region last week have vented their frustrations online to President Vladimir Putin.

The criticisms represent an unusually public show of defiance in a country where any cracks at the leader or military can draw harsh punishments.

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[–] [email protected] 31 points 4 weeks ago (37 children)

I wouldn't discount the Russian capacity to disconnect even in those circumstances.

[–] [email protected] 22 points 4 weeks ago (36 children)

While it might seem that the Russian population could disconnect under such dire circumstances, history shows that Russians have the capacity to rise against oppressive conditions imposed by their own government. The Russian Revolution of 1917 is a prime example. Amidst widespread dissatisfaction with the Tsarist regime due to economic hardship, military failures, and political repression, the Russian people ultimately overthrew a centuries-old monarchy.

Similarly, the protests and eventual collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s highlight the power of their collective action. The combination of economic stagnation, political corruption, and a desire for greater freedoms led to mass demonstrations that ultimately brought down the regime.

These historical precedents suggest that while disconnection and passivity are possible; they are by no means guaranteed. When the consequences of government actions become too severe—whether through economic hardship, loss of life, or a perceived betrayal of public trust—the Russian populace has shown that it can indeed mobilize to demand change.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 weeks ago (2 children)

Poor Russians though, it always got marginally better at best, and then it got worse again... Hope their next change is around the corner and is longer lasting.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 weeks ago

it always got marginally better at best, and then it got worse again

But why? I think it's because Russians just don't exhibit a lot of civic engagement. When you see the kinds of things Putin did to get into power, do you think any of those actions would slide in any other well-functioning liberal democracies? Just look at how Ukraine responded during Euromaidan. You just don't see that kind of engagement happening in Russian society.

So why does it keep getting worse again? Unfortunately, it's because they let it.

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