PODCAST:Next Year in Moscow
TITLE:Next Year in Moscow 5: Through the forest
DATE:2023-04-01 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
"Next Year in Moscow 5: Through the Forest," an episode from The Economist's podcast series, begins with the voice of Leo Tolstoy from a recording made in the early 1900s. Tolstoy, expressing his profound distress over the execution of 12 peasants, exemplifies a historical Russian perspective on state violence and moral responsibility. The episode, narrated by Arkady Ostrovsky, explores the continuing relevance of Tolstoy's views in contemporary Russia, especially in the context of the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Grigory Sverdlin, a prominent figure from St. Petersburg, shares his journey from running a homeless charity, Nachlyoshka, to leaving Russia in response to the war. His charity, which became one of Russia's largest, reflected a growing sense of social responsibility among Russians, particularly the younger generation. However, the increasing state repression and the start of the war in Ukraine led Sverdlin to feel that his country was moving in a direction he could not support.
Dmitry Likin, another central figure in the episode, offers a contrasting narrative. As the head of design at Channel 1, Russia's main propaganda network, Likin played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of state media. Despite this, he claims a detachment from the content, focusing solely on the visual aspect of the broadcasts. His decision to resign and leave the country following the invasion of Ukraine suggests a personal conflict with the state's actions.
The episode also delves into the broader context of Russian society and its relationship with the state. It highlights how the regime's repression of independent movements and the crackdown on civil society have intensified with the war. The state's attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissent is contrasted with the growing desire for change and moral accountability among the Russian people.
Grigory Sverdlin's initiative, "Go Through the Forest," encapsulates this desire for change. The organization helps Russians evade military draft and desert the army, serving as a form of resistance against the war. Sverdlin's efforts, along with the stories of other Russians who share his sentiments, underscore a growing dissonance between the state and segments of the population.
"Next Year in Moscow 5: Through the Forest" weaves these narratives to portray a complex and evolving Russian society. It underscores the enduring relevance of Tolstoy's moral philosophy in contemporary Russia, especially in the face of state violence and the individual's role in resisting it. The episode paints a picture of a nation grappling with its identity, torn between a repressive state and a populace increasingly seeking change.
