Satire and Protest in Putin's Russia

This book explores the limits of allowed humor, the oppressive mechanisms deployed by the State and pro-State agents, and counterstrategies of cultural resistance in satirical protest in Russia. It provides an overview of the evolution of satire in the Putin era and includes five studies of satirical protest in music, poetry, and public protests.

Format: Hardback
Length: 197 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of satirical protest in contemporary Russia, exploring the intricate dynamics of permissible humor, the oppressive tactics employed by the State and its allies, as well as the strategies of cultural resistance. It raises thought-provoking questions such as the diverse forms of satirical protest that exist, the extent to which the State condones or even sponsors satire, the potential connections between satire and propaganda, the relationship between satire and myth, and the effectiveness of satirical protest in challenging the status quo.

In the first part of the book, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of satire across various mediums, including stage, the Internet, and television, within the context of the shifting post-Soviet media landscape under the reign of Putin. This section serves as a foundation for the subsequent chapters, which delve deeper into the specific forms of satirical protest in music, poetry, and public demonstrations.

Part Two consists of five in-depth studies that examine satirical protest in these artistic domains. Each study offers a unique perspective on the ways in which artists and activists have used satire as a powerful tool to challenge authority, raise awareness, and promote social change. The authors explore the creative strategies employed by satirists, the challenges they face, and the impact their work has had on both the broader society and the political landscape of Russia.

Through their meticulous research and analysis, the authors shed light on the complex interplay between humor, power, and cultural expression in contemporary Russia. They challenge readers to consider the boundaries of acceptable speech and the ways in which the State and its agents seek to suppress dissent. At the same time, they offer inspiring examples of cultural resistance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of political dissent and the role of art in shaping society. It provides a wealth of insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of the complex and ever-evolving landscape of satirical protest in Russia and beyond.

Weight: 469g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030762780
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021