nostr:npub15dz2uaaxuzfv2pest4y7hhcnj72ty08grg65c0yg0n8j7ccwmwvslfh56t it's also fairly intoxicating for Russians, what the government is saying.

the time after the USSR collapsed was humiliating for Russia. with less government control, there was also less purpose, because there was no communism to fight for and no capitalist enemy to defeat.

imagine the sense of purpose that must've instilled in Russians, and how devastating it must've been to have it all shattered, and how intoxicating and convenient it is to just let Putin tell you how great your country is, and all you have to do to restore its glory is to follow his orders.

any country feels excited and emboldened when the call for duty comes, and everyone works together for a greater cause. that's one of the most powerful psychological forces out there.

"finally, i can forget about my own depressing life and serve a greater purpose."