What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the structural and ideological transformation of Russia's political regime from performance-based legitimacy toward a quasi-totalitarian system under Vladimir Putin.

August 28, 2026Current History

Putin’s Totalitarian Dreams

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Since 2012, Vladimir Putin has transformed Russia's political system from performance-based authoritarianism into an ideologically driven, quasi-totalitarian model rooted in Slavophile traditions. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

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To examine the structural and ideological transformation of Russia's political regime from performance-based legitimacy toward a quasi-totalitarian system under Vladimir Putin.
Qualitative political analysis of Russian regime rhetoric, governance transitions, and state strategy following the 2012 presidential term.
Conceptual examination of historical Slavophile traditions applied to contemporary state-society relations and geopolitical positioning.
Identifies a systemic transition away from performance-based authoritarian legitimacy toward an ideologically driven, quasi-totalitarian framework.
Demonstrates that the regime constructs conflict with the West as an existential, civilizational clash designed to mandate societal sacrifice and enforce national unity.

Implication

Political analysis reveals a shift toward quasi-totalitarian governance in Russia since 2012, highlighting ideological framing of Western conflict as a civilizational struggle.

Abstract

Since returning to the presidency in 2012, Vladimir Putin has sought to transform Russia’s political system from performance-based authoritarianism toward a more ideologically driven, quasi-totalitarian model. Drawing on Slavophile traditions, the regime frames its confrontation with the West as a civilizational struggle requiring sacrifice and national unity.

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Cite This Study

Jean-François Caron (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a914642d15324a1df3a9bbf https://doi.org/10.1525/curh.2026.125.874.58

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Implication

Political analysis reveals a shift toward quasi-totalitarian governance in Russia since 2012, highlighting ideological framing of Western conflict as a civilizational struggle.

Putin’s Totalitarian Dreams

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Putin’s Totalitarian Dreams

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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