OSHER 210 - Putin's Russia: Two Years into the War

On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin unleashed a war on the neighboring country of Ukraine, which has resulted in mounting military casualties on both sides and a civilian tragedy on the Ukrainian side. Nearly two years later, the war still rages despite the continuing pressure on Russia from the West and the resulting economic hardships it has created. As Russia is nearing the elections in March 2024, almost sure to renew Putin's presidency, we will examine why Putin is still in power and Russia is still at war. Using a wide range of sources in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, we will investigate just how broad the popular support for Putin and his policies is in Russia and, most importantly, why - the answers may surprise you. With rapidly changing events, the lecture will be news-oriented and will aim to cover the latest developments.