The article discusses the closed and isolated world of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, highlighting how they continually reinforce each other’s beliefs without being questioned. The two groups mentioned are:
1. Putin’s own inner circle: composed of a few close advisors who have been with him for many years.
2. A group of intellectuals and experts who provide advice to the government on various issues.
The article notes that these two groups engage in a “mutual, two-way process” where they continually reinforce each other’s beliefs without questioning the status quo. This leads to an environment where extreme declarations and conspiracy theories are more likely to be accepted.
Some specific points mentioned in the article include:
* Putin is not known for his political thinking, but rather relies on his inner circle to provide advice.
* The inner circle is composed of a few trusted advisors who have been with him for many years, making it difficult for new ideas and perspectives to enter the system.
* When making decisions, Putin tends to rely on his own instincts rather than seeking outside advice or evidence.
* There are no fresh faces in the Kremlin, and promotions or falls from grace are rare events that are closely watched.
* Newcomers to the elite often come from tried-and-tested channels, such as marrying into a powerful family or having connections to influential people.
The article also touches on the implications of this closed world for negotiations with Western powers. It notes that:
* The lack of fresh blood in the Kremlin means that there are no new ideas or perspectives being brought to the table.
* Different Russian negotiators may be given different information, leading to uncertainty and confusion.
* There is a possibility that the Kremlin is not genuinely seeking peace, but rather using negotiations as a way to further their own interests.
Overall, the article paints a picture of a closed and isolated world where extreme ideas and conspiracy theories are more likely to thrive. It highlights the challenges of navigating this environment for negotiators and raises questions about the sincerity of the Russian government‘s intentions.