5.6.2024: From Liberalism to Conservatism: Tracing the evolution of cultural policy in Putin’s Russia (Romashko)
This doctoral project outlines the development of cultural policy in modern Russia in two distinct periods: the post-Soviet era and the period since 2012. Between 1991 and 2011, a liberal political agenda fostered the development of cultural policy alongside the EU-driven ‘arm’s length approach’.
The early 2000s saw a surge in cultural diversity, fuelled by an economic boom. Multiculturalism, queer culture and various forms of artistic experimentation resonated deeply with Russian audiences. Notable cultural figures such as Ukrainian comedian Andriy Danylko, better known for his drag persona Verka Serduchka, and pop duo t.A.T.u. emerged as symbols of this liberal era, challenging social norms and sparking progressive debates.
However, following the mass protests in 2011-2012, cultural policy deviated from the democratic course. With the annexation of Crimea in 2014, cultural policy became part of the national security strategy and adopted a conservative agenda promoted by the Putin administration. This shift led to greater cultural centralisation and a retreat from engagement with the Western world, in stark contrast to the previous emphasis on European interaction.
Drawing on Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, Romashko challenges the simplistic view that post-2012 cultural policy developments are merely top-down implementations of presidential orders. Her research shows that these policies are the result of a complex and dynamic process involving intellectual and moral leadership that translates political ambitions into workable policies.
This leadership proves essential in shaping ‘common sense’ – the everyday beliefs that facilitate a social order based on consent and coercion. In this light, culture emerges as a strategic tool of governance, crucial for shaping public perceptions and legitimising political power.
Romashko’s dissertation explores the ideological terrain of cultural policy and politics, revealing its crucial role in Putin’s strategy to consolidate his authority by promoting a distinctly Russian ‘common sense’ imbued with conservative values of traditionalism, spiritualism and collectivism.
The analysis includes an examination of the discursive and governmental dynamics that shape cultural policy. The insights are drawn from expert discussions, public debates, and the official narratives that underpin policy legislation and institutional formation. This critical approach shows how cultural norms, their use and governance have been strategically aligned with a conservative narrative that emphasises the antagonism between Russia and the West.
This dissertation not only maps the trajectory of cultural policy in modern Russia, but also highlights the complex interplay between culture and governance in non-democratic contexts. By linking cultural policy to broader political objectives, Romashko’s work contributes to both scholarly discourse and practical policy understanding. The thesis offers insights into the mechanisms through which populist projects seek to project power through the construction of the ‘united people’ and its ‘common sense’.
The doctoral research has been funded by the Kone Foundation (Koneen Säätiö), the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy at the Ģֱ.
Tatiana Romashko (MA) defends her doctoral thesis in Cultural Policy “Development of Contemporary Russian Cultural Policy: From Liberal Decentralisation towards Conservative Hegemony” on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, at 12:00 in the hall S212 at the Seminarium Building. Senior Lecturer Dr Aliaksei Kazharski (Charles University) will serve as the opponent and Professor Mikko Jakonen (Ģֱ) as the custos.
A streaming link is available for remote viewing:
Link to publication:
Bio
Tatiana Romashko is a grant researcher currently working on the collaborative project “”, led by Dr Vera Zvereva and funded by the Kone Foundation for 2022-2026. Her research interests include Russian politics, cultural policy and Finnish-Russian sociocultural cooperation.
Tatiana actively contributes to international journals and offers analyses on Russian cultural policy for the . In addition to her research, Tatiana teaches various courses at Finnish universities under the national funding programme (ExpREES).
