Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has faced extensive challenges over the past four years that have tested the concept of normalnost for the Russian people. While many Russians describe their daily lives with a simple word, the harsh realities of war and the specific political culture of this country have put the concept of normalnost under pressure.
The Impact of War on the Daily Lives of Russians
Before the full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine in 2022, life for many Russians, especially in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, was relatively normal and bearable. However, now, four years into this war and with about 1,100 Russian soldiers killed or wounded daily, life for ordinary citizens has been severely affected. Even residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, who were previously somewhat insulated from the consequences of the war, are now directly facing the repercussions of this conflict.
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Cultural and Political Factors Hindering Normalnost
For a return to normalnost, the end of the war is essential, which in turn would mean the end of Putin's regime. However, this is not simply achievable. There are two main factors in this regard: first, the political culture and national identity of Russia; and second, the complex and imperialistic structure of the Russian state. The political culture of Russians has instilled in them that their country somehow has the right to dominate others, and this sense of grandeur acts as a barrier to the pursuit of normalnost.
The history of these views dates back to various eras and has deeply rooted itself in the cultural and political thinking of Russians. So much so that even many Russians, unconsciously, support these theories, and this issue hinders the pursuit of daily life and normalnost. The experience of other countries shows that changing these views may only be possible after significant military defeats, like Germany and Japan after World War II, which moved towards peace and focused on domestic welfare.
Ultimately, for Russia to return to normalnost, it must clearly be defeated and learn from this defeat. This defeat must be profound enough to even make staunch supporters of the sense of grandeur doubt. Until these conditions are met, the expectation of a return to normalcy in Russia seems impossible.
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