The economy of control that Putin has at his fingertips as President doesn’t afford him a liberal outlook, such as on his own terms. For example, a new power to block Internet access is likely only to be useful for the younger generation. It’s because any measure that’s used needs to fulfil its purpose.
Another update is the replacement of monetary issues with a crisis in business. The former is one the older elder generation is used to. They know the personal cost of rebelling in their own lifestyles, and what happens if loads of people disobey orders in large numbers.
It’s also not a delirious threat that is meant to leave Russians worse off. It’s more of a social warning because other Russians will notice. This is usually the method behind any action that is taken. Russian people have to encourage each other to obey the law and also temporary guidelines there to protect the rule of law.
Putin now has access to the levers of the Russian Internet and his reach is increased so that he may now show his control over younger Russians, in their many subcultures and in their localities. This is now a new dimension to Russian politics and it’s one that we shouldn’t forget.
