By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The author, drawing from their experiences studying Russia, observes concerning parallels between Putin’s Russia and the current state of the United States. They highlight how Russia, through policies, marginalized certain groups and enriched the elite, a characteristic of a fascist regime. This marginalization manifested in the removal of certain groups from public spaces and the prioritization of superficial consumerism over basic human needs. The author fears that the US is headed down a similar path, mirroring the social stratification and inequities observed in Putin’s Russia.
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The US is Looking More Like Putin’s Russia Every Day.
The parallels are starting to feel unsettling, aren’t they? It’s like watching a slow-motion transformation, a subtle shift in the landscape of freedom and justice. The way major corporations seem to cozy up to those in power, showering them with gifts and influence, it evokes that mob-like atmosphere, a sense of quid pro quo that’s become all too familiar. And it’s not just the corporate influence. There’s a growing wealth disparity, a chasm between the ultra-rich and everyone else, a classic symptom of societal imbalance. This isn’t just happening in America, sure, but the trajectory feels concerningly similar to what we’ve witnessed in Russia.
Remember, the echoes of Putin’s tactics are starting to feel familiar. Defending him, downplaying his actions, even taking advice – these are not the hallmarks of a healthy democracy. Elections become more performative than genuine, and the media landscape gets increasingly controlled. The dream of consolidating power, legitimizing authoritarianism, and establishing a Western kleptocracy seems to be the direction we’re headed. We’re seeing elements of this play out with “don’t say gay” bills, propaganda, and a focus on silencing dissent.
Living in the US today, the subtle erosion of civil liberties, the creeping influence of special interests, and the increasing focus on controlling information – it all feels very close to how things have changed in Russia. The constant barrage of propaganda, the demonization of opposing viewpoints, the suppression of free speech – these are the tools of authoritarianism, and they’re being deployed with increasing frequency. It’s a slow burn, a gradual erosion, but it’s happening nonetheless.
It is worth noting how the technologies of surveillance and militarized policing, developed elsewhere, are now being used to control citizens at home. There’s a pattern, a disturbing feedback loop where the tools of control are honed and refined abroad, and then brought back to be used against citizens. The erosion of First Amendment rights and the way student protests are being handled is a clear example of this. The argument about these issues collapsing on their own logic and prioritizing a certain policy shows how much certain pillars are immovable of the establishment.
The focus on scapegoating, the constant need to find an “other,” the insistence on nationalistic purity – these are all classic tactics to divide and conquer, to sow discord and weaken the fabric of society. The increasingly prevalent use of facial recognition technology, and the instances of citizens being “kidnapped,” and those who are brown being treated as the gestapo in their own country is a disturbing development. It’s hard to ignore the implications when you see the erosion of your rights.
Is the US a perfect copy of Russia? Absolutely not. Are the situations fully equivalent? Of course not. But the direction, the trend, the increasing similarities in tactics and outcomes – that’s what’s alarming. The US isn’t Russia *yet*, but the daily progression of current events are not a promising sign. The comparisons aren’t always perfect, but the trendlines tell a compelling story.