Russian media claims West spreads satanism to bolster Putin
Russian media is once again attacking the West, this time accusing it of spreading satanism. However, according to experts on Russia, this is another propaganda storm serving Putin to consolidate his power and tap into the hostility towards the West ingrained in Russian society.
What do you need to know?
- Russian media accuses the West of spreading satanism, which is said to threaten Russia's national security. This is a reaction to a debate initiated by Russian deputies and clergymen.
- Experts point out that this is another propaganda storm, aimed at strengthening Putin's power and diverting society's attention from internal issues.
- Russia has been fighting "Western ideologies" for centuries, a sentiment deeply rooted in Russian mentality and history.
What are the goals of Russian propaganda?
In response to the debate on satanism, Russian media accuse the West of spreading destructive ideologies.
According to Piotr Żochowski from the Centre for Eastern Studies in Warsaw, this is the next stage in the fight for the minds of Russians. "The idea fixed by this government is to maintain ideological purity," Żochowski assessed. The Russian authorities use satanism as a propaganda tool to strengthen their position and divert attention from domestic issues.
Why does Russia reject Western ideologies?
Piotr Gursztyn, a historian, emphasizes that confrontation with the West is ingrained in Russian mentality. "And Kremlin propagandists relatively easily find examples of pathological phenomena in the West because our world is experiencing a kind of axiological, ethical crisis today— that's a fact, not an opinion," he emphasized.
"Confrontation with the West is ingrained in Russian mentality," commented Gursztyn. Russia has been battling against Western influences for centuries, which stems from a sense of alienation from the outside world. Modern Kremlin propaganda draws on this tradition, portraying the West as a threat to "Holy Russia."
Russian deputies and Orthodox clergymen actively participate in debates on the threats coming from the West. Tuesday's debate in the State Duma, attended by Bishop Pitrim, was another example of such activity. "The President of Russia clearly stated what Russia is currently fighting against – global satanism," said Nikolai Burlayev, who chaired the meeting.
