COLUMNS

A Picture of Russian Patriotism

Mar 22, 2016 | 08:00 GMT

Moscow's success in Syria and Ukraine is a matter of debate for some, but not for the Russian people. Today's nationalism taps into their deeper identity -- their sense of moral virtue, their survival instinct and their belief in Russia as a global power.

Pro-Kremlin activists hold national flags during a rally in support of ethnic Russians in Ukraine. Today's nationalism taps into their deeper identity -- their sense of moral virtue, their survival instinct and their belief in Russia as a global power.

(DMITRY SEREBRYAKOV/AFP/Getty Images)

The sentiment the Kremlin used to shape its interventions in Syria and Ukraine evolved from a kind of nationalism that was often used in the early years of President Vladimir Putin's government. Rabid and inspired, it was based mostly on civic patriotism and duty. Today's nationalism, on the other hand, taps into the deeper identity of the Russian people -- their sense of moral virtue, their survival instinct and their belief in Russia as a global power....

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