The Revival of Russian Nationalism

While on the international level the annexation of Crimea poses more questions than answers, for Russians everything is as clear as a day. The majority of the population welcomed the annexation, considering it to be the restoration of historical justice and a sort of reconstruction of the motherland. It is interesting to note that even those who do not consider themselves staunch supporters of Vladimir Putin, are enthusiastic about this very case of Putin’s power affirmation. His decisive attitude toward the West in general and the United States in particular made people feel once again that they live in a strong country. The Gorbachev policy, highly unpopular in Russia, aimed at finding a compromise with the West by all means, even against Russia’s interests, has been always considered a weakness, the memory of which is still strong in Russia. The events in Ukraine have revived the historical and traditional feelings of Russians to be surrounded by enemies, which as centuries passed by became a natural condition and a part of self-identity, which serves as a sort of consolidation factor and guarantees the inner stability and government legitimacy.

Russians would rather prefer living in this condition than see their leader “flirt” with the western powers. Thus as far as Putin’s legitimacy inside of the country is concerned, it could not, but to be reaffirmed.