Russia’s program of events is a nationalistic and paternalistic plan for the whole of the Russian people, exclusive of world affairs and of global conditions. There’s a strong feeling of self-determination that runs straight through the top level of Moscow’s leadership. No one has to insist on it, and only in rare instances are there public rebukes over a particular detail that’s overlooked or misunderstood.
It’s so strong that much of the process of running or ‘governing’ society is formulaic. There are clear expectations for regional and local leaders. The only unpredictable element is over what they have to deal with next. Russian life isn’t a march into the future but a plan built around it. Inevitably, events are monitored and informed by a Presidency of power and position at the very centre.
The UK will never have a significant measure of influence in Russian society. It’s obvious why. The Kremlin setup is too autocratic for dialogue, too difficult for compromise, and too riddled with suspicions for our side to be trusted. In this respect, our parts to play in the world are very separate. It’s a matter of deescalating tensions to avoid any hostility where there’s conflict. It’s a tricky job to keep up with it.