By Gleb Bryanski
As a top investment manager and financial market journalist, I bring you the latest on the ideological battle facing Russians today. The arrest of Telegram boss Pavel Durov in France has sparked a debate about loyalty and values among cosmopolitan Russians.
Since Russia's intervention in Ukraine in 2022, those who once aligned with Western ideals have found themselves at a crossroads. Multinational businesses pulling out of Russia has led to job losses and a mass exodus of citizens seeking a new start abroad.
Philosopher Alexander Dugin has declared that neutrality is no longer an option in this global conflict. The choice is clear: you are either with us or against us. This binary worldview harkens back to Soviet times, where dual loyalties were seen as a threat.
While Durov was once hailed as a tech genius akin to Zuckerberg or Bezos, his recent troubles have raised questions about his ties to the Kremlin. Accused of running an online platform facilitating illegal activities, Durov's arrest has been seen as a warning to those who embrace Western values.
Russian voices, both in government and the public sphere, warn that those who stray from the national identity risk being targeted abroad. The concept of "Fortress Russia" has gained traction, urging citizens to reject Western influences.
Ultimately, the Durov case serves as a cautionary tale for Russians who still hold onto Western ideals. The message is clear: in this new world order, choosing sides is not just a matter of ideology, but a matter of survival.
Stay tuned for more updates on how this ideological battle could impact your investments and financial decisions.