RUSCISM IN RUSSIAN ACADEMIC DISCOURSE

Abstract

The article examines the stance of Russian scientific circles on the concept of «ruscism», a term widely used by Ukrainian and Western scholars to describe an authoritarian and ultranationalist ideology emerging in Russia. While early critiques of Vladimir Putin's policies were common in Russia, the annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked a shift, with much of the intellectual elite increasingly aligning with nationalist views. Russian researchers largely avoid or dismiss the term «ruscism». Only a few scholars, often working outside Russia, recognize ruscism as a form of fascism and chauvinism, seeing it as a hybrid ideology blending ultranationalism, imperialism, militarism, and totalitarianism. These elements are used to legitimize Russia's aggressive foreign policy and imperial ambitions. The article highlights the denial and fear within Russia’s scientific community regarding this phenomenon, contrasting it with the recognition seen among researchers outside the country.

Keywords: ruscism, Russia, Putin, nazism, putinism, Russo-Ukrainian War