The concept of ideology is a contested battleground for power games, where one set of ideas is being asserted over another. It is an interlocking system of ideas that justifies the seizure of power.
The American electoral system is based on the belief that the voice of the people can be heard, while in Russia, Putin maintains power by controlling the press. The deeply rooted corruption in the Soviet system is still present in modern-day Russia.
The hosts discuss the difficulty of navigating between human rights and authoritarianism, as well as rising concerns about censorship and the surveillance state.
The American perception of Russia has always been anti-Russian, built on enmity and a belief that the Russians are infiltrating and trying to change American thinking. However, Russia has its cultural gems, making it a great place to visit.
The speaker discusses how when individuals are protected by a system, they can easily become complacent and ignore the struggles of those outside of the system, leading to potential danger.