Russian “hawks” use ideology to legitimize actions, but their influence is limited; Kremlin’s choices are constrained by practical issues.
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Intellectuals labeled “Russian Hawks,” once peripheral, have developed elaborate ideologies now central to state narratives justifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While these ideas gain visibility, the article argues they do not necessarily dictate Kremlin policy. The text notes the recent adoption of terms like “collective West” and “denazification” by the Kremlin, which were previously absent from official discourse. Research indicates these terms originated in cultural environments, such as the opinion weekly Zavtra, which has a history of revanchist critiques. A book by Juliette Faure details how these “Russian Hawks” have built a “modernist conservatism” by merging elements of Soviet technoscientific modernity, Russianophile religious conservatism, and Stalinist state patriotism. This ideology views technological progress as a path to spiritual deification, drawing parallels to concepts like artificial intelligence and immortality. Although these intellectual groups have successfully shaped the public discourse, the author concludes that their influence on concrete Kremlin policy decisions remains limited. The Kremlin maintains control through a “managed ideological pluralism,” selecting narratives as needed. Ultimately, the article suggests that the most significant drivers for the Kremlin are internal changes within Russia itself, rather than external geopolitical goals like Ukraine or NATO expansion, and that the Hawks’ ambitions are unlikely to achieve true cultural hegemony.
