Putin’s Propaganda Machine in Russian Classrooms (A Russian Language Exclusive)

Putin’s Propaganda Machine in Russian Classrooms (A Russian Language Exclusive)

Author: CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies August 29, 2026 Duration: 51:08
Maria Snegovaya sits down with Pavel Talankin –– a Russian schoolteacher who became an unlikely lens into the Russian propaganda machine. His documentary, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, captured two years of footage from inside a provincial Russian classroom as Putin's war transformed his students into instruments of the state. The film won the 2026 Oscar for Best Documentary. Talankin joins Russian Roulette's first episode recorded in Russian to discuss his inspiration, experience making the film, and what his story reveals about the depths of propaganda in Russia's education system today.  NOTE: This episode is in Russian. An English version of the audio (created using AI dubbing software and reviewed by native speakers) is available in the Russian Roulette podcast feed.  Mentioned:  Mr. Nobody Against Putin | Documentary film directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin  Feedback? Suggestions? Ideas to help us improve? Email us at erep@csis.org.  If you love Russian Roulette, let us know by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Listen to our sister podcast, covering all things Europe through a Washington lens: CSIS Podcasts | The Eurofile 

Dive deep into the political landscape, historical currents, and rich social fabric of a vast and consequential region with Russian Roulette. This podcast from the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program is guided by hosts Max Bergmann and Dr. Maria Snegovaya, who bring their expertise to nuanced conversations that move beyond headlines. Each episode delves into the forces shaping Russia and the diverse nations of Eurasia, unpacking everything from foreign policy and internal power dynamics to cultural shifts and societal transformations. You'll hear insightful analysis and engaging discussions with a range of experts, offering listeners a clearer understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities within the post-Soviet space. Produced by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton, the podcast consistently provides context and depth on a part of the world where history is always present. For anyone curious about the intricate politics, compelling stories, and human experiences that define this area, this series serves as an essential guide, making sense of a region that often seems enigmatic from the outside.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Russian Roulette
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