How ‘geopolitical stigma’ associated with Putin’s Russia is affecting ordinary Russians

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, its global reputation has plummeted due to crippling sanctions and a mass exodus of foreign companies. The effects on Russians themselves have been equally profound, with a growing sense of shame and stigma attached to being Russian. Interviews with Russians living abroad reveal a range of strategies for coping with this international isolation.

Some Russians distance themselves from the state and its actions, while others argue that Russia will regain its former status through military victory. A few even compare Russia to historical empires that failed to evolve beyond their imperial past. However, all these coping mechanisms ultimately rely on reinforcing the same masculine notions of power, strength and dominance that are now tarnished by Russia's international disgrace.