December 4: The Closing of the Russian Mind
During his first years in power, Vladimir Putin allowed a measure of autonomy for the arts and culture. In those days Putin was trying to create a different kind of dictatorship. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, cultural space in the Russian Federation has been closing rapidly. On December 4, 2023 American Purpose, RFE/RL, and the Institute of Current World Affairs came together for a discussion on writers and cultural figures in exile, and how others struggle to protect the arts against state power at home.
Featuring:
- Greg Feifer, executive director, Institute of Current World Affairs
- Linor Goralik, Russian-born Israeli author, poet and artist
- Rim Gilfanov, director, RFE/RLTatar-Bashkir Service
- Salome Asatiani, journalist and podcast host, RFE/RL Georgian service
The program was moderated by Jeffrey Gedmin, RFE/RL acting president and American Purpose co-founder.
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