PODCAST:Next Year in Moscow
TITLE:Next Year in Moscow 2: A beautiful life
DATE:2023-03-04 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
"Next Year in Moscow 2: A Beautiful Life" is an episode from The Economist's podcast series that delves into the lives of young, successful Russians and their journey through the changing landscape of their country under Vladimir Putin’s regime. The episode primarily revolves around Liza Sittinskaya and Ilya Krasilshchik, who represent a new, modern, and optimistic Russia that emerged in the 2000s, a stark contrast to the traditional image of Russia as a producer of oil, gas, and hackers.
Liza Sittinskaya started a YouTube channel named "Ruski Norm" (Russians are okay), focusing on successful Russian entrepreneurs and professionals making significant contributions globally. This channel symbolized a Russia integrating with the West and moving away from its old stereotypes. However, the optimism shattered with the onset of the war in Ukraine. Liza’s message dramatically changes as she realizes the devastating impact of the war, not just in terms of human lives but also in setting Russia back by decades in terms of global cooperation.
Ilya Krasilshchik’s story provides a window into the vibrant and seemingly progressive culture that was developing in Moscow, especially among the younger generation. He worked in influential media roles and was part of the 2011 protests against Putin’s regime. These protests, initially filled with hope and a sense of power, gradually lost momentum and were overshadowed by the government's authoritarian response.
The episode reflects on key moments such as the 2011 protests in Moscow, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the eventual full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These events mark a gradual but definitive shift from a Russia that was embracing modernity and openness to one aggressively asserting its power and reverting to old imperialistic tendencies.
"Next Year in Moscow 2: A Beautiful Life" offers an introspective look at the lives of young Russians who were once optimistic about their country's future, only to see their hopes crushed by the return of authoritarianism and war. The narrative underlines the struggle between a progressive, globally integrated Russia and the traditional, authoritative regime of Putin, showing how these conflicting visions have led to a significant crisis in Russian society and politics.
