Russia's liberal elite survives by adapting to Putin's regime rather than resisting it
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/andrei-soldatov,https://www.theguardian.com/profile/irina-borogan. "The strategy of Russia’s liberal elite is clear: make your peace with Putin. This is how they survive | Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan | The Guardian." February 22, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
Russian elites who could oppose Putin have instead chosen to work with his system because they believe it's the only way to stay relevant and survive. They publicly support the war while privately still wanting acceptance from the West.
Conclusion
Russia's liberal elite has chosen adaptation and accommodation with Putin's authoritarian regime as their survival strategy, rather than resistance or opposition
Premises
- Four years into the Ukraine war, Russia's elite shows no sign of resisting Putin despite being placed in a difficult position without consultation
- Government-backed cultural awards ceremonies showcase only loyal, Soviet-nostalgic content with no dissent or subtle critique
- Cultural minister Olga Lyubimova exemplifies this adaptation - she explicitly stated her strategy as accommodation with the brutal system
- Elite members like Lyubimova still desire Western acceptance despite supporting the war, as evidenced by their reaction to travel bans
- The boundaries of acceptable behavior are narrowing, forcing the elite to choose between being 'in' the system or being 'out' as losers
- Many elite members became convinced that serving the ruler is the only path to relevance in Russian history
- The atmosphere of repression targeting state institutions makes accommodation feel like the soundest strategy
Assumptions
- Elite behavior in cultural institutions reflects broader elite attitudes toward the regime
- Personal career advancement motivations can explain broader political accommodation patterns
- The elite had genuine choices between resistance and accommodation
- Cultural narratives are reliable indicators of how elites see their role in wartime
- The desire for Western acceptance reveals the elite's true preferences despite their public loyalty