THE EMPIRE OF LIE: MEDIA-CONTROL AS A PILLAR OF PUTIN’S AUTHORITARIAN REGIME

Abstract. In this article, the author examines the system of media-control in Russia built under Putin from the beginning of 2000s. It has helped consolidating and maintaining his authoritarian rule inside the country over years. It can also be claimed that the system of media control created within Russia had also an impact on Russia’s foreign policy, and the Kremlin attempted to export it within the territory of the former Soviet Union. The key media outlets in Russia are controlled directly by the State or Putin’s close allies -members of the so-called sistema. It creates the illusion of plurality and alternative thoughts, however, all of them are steered from one place – the Kremlin. Nevertheless, this system is strongly Putin-oriented and serves his interests; it will not cease to exist after his resignation. Its infrastructure, with a high degree of probability, will serve his successor too. Thus, the author asserts, the state of play could be changed only by destroying the informal system of power itself.