Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
The Russian Analytical Digest (RAD) analyzes recent events, trends and developments within contemporary Russian politics, economics and business, foreign policy, security and society. Each issue contains original academic and policy relevant research articles by authors from across the globe, and topical statistical data, graphics and opinion polls. The series is produced by a partner network that includes the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zürich, the external page Research Centre for East European Studies (FSO) at the University of Bremen, the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) and the external page Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich. The RAD is edited by external page Fabian Burkhardt, external page Vassily Klimentov, external page Matthias Neumann, external page Robert Orttung, external page Jeronim Perović, external page Heiko Pleines, and external page Hans-Henning Schröder.
The series is partnered with the German language publication Russland-Analysen, the Russian Regional Report, and the Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD).
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No. 344: Cultural Consumption in Wartime Russia
This issue examines the mobilization of culture and memory in wartime Russia. First, Elizaveta Gaufman analyzes the dynamics of cultural consumption of film, music, and literature, exploring how everyday practices intersect with state ideology. Next, Radzhana Buyantueva investigates the relationship between music and the Russian regime, highlighting how musical expression is leveraged for political consolidation. Zaur Gasimov then examines the case of the ballet dancer Sergei Polunin, illustrating the complexities of artistic alignment and performative patriotism. Finally, Viacheslav Kartavyi explores the “Immortal Regiment,” detailing how historical memory has been coopted to legitimize current militarization.
No. 343: Russia's Hard Right (Part 2)
Guest-edited by Katharina Bluhm, RAD 343 is part two of the double issue on “Russia’s Hard Right and the War.” First, Mihai Varga explores the Russian far right’s fragmented transnational networks in the “near abroad,” showing how state and church channels now outpace them. Next, Mikhail Suslov analyzes Telegram military bloggers, demonstrating how their hybrid ideology – fusing identitarian nationalism and anti-globalism – acts as an ideological sandbox for the Kremlin. Finally, Jules Sergei Fediunin details how Russia’s demographic politics have radicalized into a neo-traditionalist, pronatalist agenda that mirrors the regime’s ongoing authoritarian consolidation.