Military matters on the civilian mind: An examination of Russian identity construction

Abstract

This thesis examines the prominent military component of identity construction in Russia to determine the motivation behind state implemented identity initiatives their consequences. The motivations are investigated by means of content analysis of various scholarly interpretations of the nation-building effort, while the consequences are examined through the analysis of data from all-Russian surveys conducted by Levada and Vstiom between 1994 and 2017. The purpose of the identity construction appears to initially have been short-term image improvement for the military institution but has over time gradually evolved into a multipurpose project aimed at providing benefits to the sitting regime and the military institution. The effects of the identity construction are found to be a likely increased propensity towards militarism and societal support for military operations. The approach establishes intention and effect, revealing the increasing propensity of militarism to be an unintended effect of the continued emphasis put on the military in the identity construction efforts. While militarism was not a planned goal, the Russian regime appears acutely aware of its manifestation, and is utilizing it well to their advantage. While we cannot deduce decision-makers intentions and the generalizability of the survey data with absolute certainty, the thesis concludes that militarism is on the rise in Russia, and the regime recognizes the instrumental value this provides.