Over the past few years, Russia has been steadily moving towards a state of nationalist ascendancy—reasserting Russia’s dominance in world affairs through an increasingly bellicose foreign policy and asserting pride both in Russia’s past and the current state of affairs. This type of mindset has also promoted suspicion of foreign and especially Western states with the implication that all are out to damage Russia in some manner. As a result, Russian “patriotism” has risen to combat this perceived external threat.
Estonian Actions
The latest victim of Russia’s ire is Estonia. Estonia angered both ethnic Russians residing in Estonia and Russia when the Estonian government removed a statue of a Soviet soldier in a war memorial in the Tallinn city center. The statue was taken down for transfer to an undisclosed military cemetery.
To many Estonians, the statue is an unwelcome reminder of the Soviet occupation and oppression of Estonia. To many Russians, it is a heroic symbol of Soviet courage against Nazi aggression. World War II continues to evoke a great deal of emotion amongst ethnic Russians based in many countries. As a result, ethnic Russians in Estonia, who comprise almost one quarter of the population rioted in protest. One person was killed and 153 were injured in the ensuing melee. Russia condemned Estonia’s treatment of the rioters and Estonia accused Russia of instigating the riots. The situation has only further deteriorated between the two countries since these riots.
Embassy Activities
Russian youth groups blockaded the Estonian embassy in Moscow in protest and retaliation. Estonia closed their embassy after claiming that their diplomats were harassed and an attempted physical assault was made against the Estonian Ambassador to Moscow, Marina Kaljuran. Despite these actions against the diplomatic presence of Estonia in Moscow, Russia claimed that the protests were peaceful and legal prompting suspicion by the Estonian government that the Russian government was somehow behind this harassment.
It is likely that Russia is this cavalier about the diplomatic attacks and harassment because they want to convey a clear message to Estonia that they have insulted Russia and this is merely retribution for their actions.
Infrastructure Interference
In addition, Estonia believes that cyber attacks against Estonian government computer systems can be traced back to the Russian government. More obvious has been the stoppage of Russia’s oil supplies by rail to Estonia and the severing of a major car plant manufacture contract. Russia has said these moves were not political.
Role of the “Nashi” Youth Group
The Estonian dispute also puts the spotlight on one of Russia’s youth movements. The “Nashi”, the youth group responsible for the protests against the embassy are also gaining a reputation for trailing, picketing and harassing other diplomats they feel are taking actions against Russia’s interests.
In reality, they also protest against anyone they believe is unpatriotic to Russia. Nashi, which translates to “Ours,” is supposed to be a democratic, anti-fascist patriotic youth group. The group supports the aims of the Putin regime. The “Nashi” have education programs for members and hope to groom the next generation of leaders for Russia who support the values found in the Putin regime.
Because the organization is so well organized and efficient, many wonder if the government is behind this group, paying members to participate in these events rather than the organization being a genuine self-motivating youth movement. Suspicious observers believe that using youth in this manner to promote the government’s viewpoint is possibly a means to keep naturally inquisitive and rebellious youth under control to limit counter-government movements.
More of the Same
We expect the tide of nationalism to continue to increase in Russia as the country resurges into international prominence. Russia will also continue to stir up nationalist sentiments in order to counter any anti-Russian activities by other countries.
