Global Security and Intelligence Studies Volume 5, Number 1, Spring / Summer 2020 | Page 69

Global Security and Intelligence Studies • Volume 5, Number 1 • Spring / Summer 2020
A New Russian Realpolitik: Putin’s
Operationalization of Psychology
and Propaganda
Joseph Pagen
Abstract
For two decades, Vladimir Putin has held the highest levels of position
and power in Russia. The leader and his collaborating elites harness
an enduring Russian identity and methodically design a path
for a manipulated society to eagerly regain legitimacy, respect, and
relevance. This qualitative and exploratory study examines Putin and
his apparatus’s efforts to unify Russian society and expand its influence
through the cultivation and operationalization of specific psychological
theories. Through theory triangulation, thematic coding,
and analysis of relevant and current open-source material, convergence
demonstrates Putin’s disciplined understanding and deliberate
management of Russian identity and perception. Evidence indicates
Putin’s comprehensive and synchronized approach to achieve
a spectrum of policy objectives. This study challenges the traditional
notion of leadership’s rational pursuit of self-interest by showcasing
Putin’s operationalization of power politics, propaganda efforts, and
malleable internal workings of an exclusive society for both manipulation
and exploitation.
Keywords: Putin, Russia, image theory, humiliation theory, identity
theory, psychological domain, sixth domain
Una nueva Realpolitik rusa: la operacionalización de la
psicología y la propaganda de Putin
Resumen
Durante dos décadas, Vladimir Putin ha mantenido los más altos
niveles de posición y poder en Rusia. El líder y sus élites colaboradoras
aprovechan una identidad rusa duradera y diseñan metódicamente
un camino para que una sociedad manipulada recupere
su legitimidad, respeto y relevancia con entusiasmo y ganas. Este
estudio cualitativo y exploratorio examina los esfuerzos de Putin y
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doi: 10.18278/gsis.5.1.5