New Russian Countr-Extremism Strategy Document Focuses on Ukraine, the West, Younger Russians, and Activists But Offers Little New Otherwise

Paul Goble
    Staunton, Dec. 28 – Vladimir Putin has issued a new Strategy for Countering Extremism (static.kremlin.ru/media/events/files/ru/wrfx0TxRABr2gXaBbzJ6ShAZ5Na8CDWp.pdf) which updates with a listing of new threats rather than completely revises the one that had been in force since 2020 (windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com/2020/05/putin-significantly-and-dangerously.html).
    Among the new threats enumerated are those the document says originate in Ukraine, the West, immigrant groups, and young Russians, including activists working in various spheres including many nominally far from politics but having the potential to spark larger political demonstrations.
    But other than that, the new document, in sharp contrast to the 2020 declaration, contains relatively little that is new beyond its references to Ukraine and migrants, two hot button issues in Russia at present. As such, it suggests that it will justify the continuing growth in repression along current lines rather than a radical departure from what is taking place now.