Foreign Policy Matters: Russia's Media Landscape

Young Russians Are Skeptical of Most Media Outlets

Independent journalism in Russia has been increasingly restricted under President Vladimir Putin, with traditional outlets like newspapers, television, and radio largely controlled by the state. While digital platforms have emerged as a space for freer discourse, a new Council-Levada Analytical Center survey finds that Russians between the ages of 18-34 are equally wary of news they receive from both sources. Roughly seven in 10 say they do not trust any media outlet to publish unbiased, factual information about the world. 
 
Explore more survey results. 

The Data Dimension

Among the minority of young Russians that do express some degree of trust in media, the Council-Levada Center survey shows those who favor traditional, state-controlled outlets tend to be more optimistic about Russia’s future and have a greater sense of nationalism. On the other hand, young Russians who trust less-regulated digital platforms are more likely to say democracy is preferable to other kinds of government. 

What We're Watching

• America’s quest for lithium independence: The Biden administration is taking steps to energize domestic production of the key battery component. Fellow Karl Friedhoff unpacks the details on the Council’s Running Numbers blog. 
• China’s agenda: Evidence suggests Chinese leaders are interested in a more constructive relationship with the United States, Nonresident Senior Fellow Paul Heer argues in Foreign Affairs. 
• Global population shifts: "Demographic changes will be the key driver of global competition over the next century and beyond," Nonresident Fellow Paul Poast writes in World Politics Review. 

Ask an Expert

Why is Russia gaining the advantage in its war with Ukraine? 

“For months, Ukrainian forces on the front line were outmanned and outgunned. Part of this was due to the hiatus in shipping munitions. But part resulted from Kyiv’s long delay in mobilizing additional forces. The result is that the balance of forces is currently weighing in Russia’s favor—and will continue to do so until weapons supplies reach the front and sufficient forces are mobilized and trained to replace exhausted units.” 

—Council CEO Ivo Daalder via Substack