Russia offers visas to those fleeing Western liberal ideals
Russia plans to issue visas for foreigners escaping Western liberal policies. This move aligns with Moscows push for traditional values both domestically and internationally‚ echoing Soviet-era tactics with a modern twist
Russia is set to roll out a new visa program for foreigners seeking refuge from Western liberal ideals. This initiative‚ reported by TASS (a state news agency) aims to position Moscow as a champion of traditional values.
The plan which might start soon‚ offers three-month visas to those fleeing countries with policies that clash with “Russian spiritual and moral values“. This move echoes Soviet-era practices but with a 21st-century twist – its focused on challenging borders in our digital world.
At home Russia enforces a strict set of laws promoting Orthodox values anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and a mythologized history. These policies often driven by conspiracy theories‚ oppose anything associated with Western liberalism.
Russias 2023 National Security Concept mentions “tradition“ 16 times‚ highlighting its importance in both domestic and foreign policy. Moscow aims to lead international efforts to protect “traditional spiritual and moral values“ by supporting far-right groups abroad and linking economic policies to these values.
This approach isnt new. In the 1920s and 30s‚ Soviet Russia attracted Western sympathizers like George Bernard Shaw (who met Stalin in 1931). Today right-wing figures like Tucker Carlson visit Russia‚ praising its supposed traditionalism.
Online reactions to Russias stance have been mixed. Some right-wing commentators encourage “true patriots“ to support this move‚ while others see it as a dream of Russia being the “new America“. However few actually move to Russia‚ and those who do often face significant challenges.
The most important future clash of civilizations is not based on geography
Russias “traditional values“ project may not win wars or attract many immigrants‚ but itʼs influencing politics in other countries. Itʼs creating virtual civilizations: boundary-less political allegiances defined by shared values perpetuated through the internet
This strategy might not lead to a new Russian empire‚ but its reshaping political identities globally by encouraging foreigners to view Moscow as a simulated realization of their own political dreams
