Authors

Andrey Logutov¹;  ¹ Independent Institute of Philosophy, France

Discussion

The paper examines three distinct modes of ideological mediation in contemporary Russia, focusing on whether the Russian state has a coherent ideology and, if so, how it is communicated. While some scholars argue that Russia lacks a clear ideological framework, others identify emerging (pseudo)conservative, anti-Western, and imperial tendencies, though they remain loosely defined. Drawing on Althusser’s concept of state ideology, we narrow our focus to media as the primary vehicle for ideological transmission, excluding other channels like education and religion. We identify two main modes of ideological transmission: representational (semantic) and performative (mimetic). In the representational mode, statements convey meanings that recipients may accept or reject, while the performative mode influences behavior without necessitating belief. These modes interact, often blending meaning and mimicry. A third mode, termed “enactment,” suggests that media also functions as an environment that shapes perceptions and emotions holistically, creating a milieu that merges mediated reality with lived experience. This view aligns with critical theories from Habermas, Hall, Baudrillard, and Castells, emphasizing the political dimension of media as a force that shapes societal values subtly and persistently.