Part 9/17:
Conversely, Herd explains that Russian society exhibits apathy toward the war, sustained by Kremlin-controlled narratives. Putin adeptly siloes war impacts on different regions and demographics, shielding his core supporters from the worst effects. Propaganda portrays Russia’s actions as a defense of the motherland, with echoes of WWII heroism—an effort that bolsters domestic support among the ultra-nationalist base but leaves the broader populace largely indifferent.
Importantly, Herd hints that Putin is unlikely to pursue a new nationwide mobilization soon, fearing unpopularity and limited additional recruitment capacity. Instead, he relies on ongoing conscripts, mercenaries, and limited mobilization to sustain current military campaigns, even as battlefield conditions worsen.