Autocracy in Russia

For much of his reign, Vladimir Putin has been working to put himself at the head of a “conservative international.” He wants to be seen as the great defender of Christendom, a champion of traditional values who can rescue the world from godless liberalism. In a recent statement, for instance, Putin said that Russia needs to lead a resistance to “the global crisis of civilization and values that leads to humankind losing traditional spiritual and ethical waypoints and moral principles.”

Most people surely can see through the Butcher of Bucha’s propaganda. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has been characterized by war crimes, atrocities, and acts of genocide—it is absurd to hear him speak of “ethical waypoints and moral principles.” There is nothing remotely Christian about the way Putin has targeted civilians. Unfortunately, though, some conservatives in the West seem to be at least somewhat receptive to Russia’s “traditionalist” messaging. Few on the right have fully embraced Putin, but too many have expressed a certain twisted admiration for how he “owns the libs.”

Some may feel sympathy for Putin out of partisan reflex. Even if President Biden has dragged his feet on delivering vital aid, he has made support for the Ukrainian cause a major rhetorical priority. His Democratic party is increasingly politicizing the issue, too, in a cynical attempt to alienate moderate voters from Republicans. In our polarized moment, supporting Ukraine should be a bipartisan cause. But mere partisanship cannot fully explain the respect certain figures in right-wing media show a tyrant like Putin.

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