The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Mikhail Zygar on Putin, the Russia-Ukraine War, and Press Freedom
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Apr 23, 2025 Mikhail Zygar, a prominent Russian journalist and author, shares his insights on the current political landscape in Russia and the impact of the Ukraine war. He discusses the erosion of press freedom under Putin and the struggles facing independent journalism. Zygar reflects on the disillusionment with democracy, emphasizing the perseverance of activists like Alexei Navalny. He also explores the shifting narratives that shape Russia's actions in Ukraine and warns about the implications for global democracy and civil liberties.
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Putin’s Dual-Track Strategy
- Putin pursues a dual-track strategy: continuing war while seeking US ties.
- He wants sanctions lifted but refuses to compromise on Ukraine.
Cynicism as Kremlin Ideology
- Kremlin cynicism views liberal democracy as hypocritical and doomed.
- Kremlin ideologues welcome America's waning faith in democracy as a new world order.
Russia’s Legal Norm Manipulation
- Russia twists international law claims by blaming the West for breaking it first.
- Putin sees aggression as a way to prove Russia’s superpower status.
