Ask HN: Weighing reputational and moral consequences of leaving Russia / staying
34 comments
I left Russia with my parents when I was 6 years old over 25 years ago. There is a huge Russian diaspora all over the world, so you won't be alone. The US, where I live, has a lot of Russian speakers that have been moving here from all parts of the former USSR since its dissolution.
Personally I take the fatalistic approach that there's nothing you, as an average individual, can do to alter the fate of history. There's a handful of people that do, and most of us aren't that person. What you can do is be a better human being to your friends, family, and neighbors, and you can do that anywhere in the world. So from an ethical perspective, I don't think it makes a difference.
From a personal perspective - be selfish. If you even get a hint that you may have to get drafted, get out. If you think you will have more opportunities for your ambitions elsewhere (the US is still a great place for ambitious, intelligent, hardworking people), try to get out. But I will say that as a programmer in Moscow, you will have a very similar quality of life anywhere else in the world.
Personally I take the fatalistic approach that there's nothing you, as an average individual, can do to alter the fate of history. There's a handful of people that do, and most of us aren't that person. What you can do is be a better human being to your friends, family, and neighbors, and you can do that anywhere in the world. So from an ethical perspective, I don't think it makes a difference.
From a personal perspective - be selfish. If you even get a hint that you may have to get drafted, get out. If you think you will have more opportunities for your ambitions elsewhere (the US is still a great place for ambitious, intelligent, hardworking people), try to get out. But I will say that as a programmer in Moscow, you will have a very similar quality of life anywhere else in the world.
You seem to think about your reputation and your future.
But by staying in Russia and paying your taxes you contribute to the war effort. You are part of it. In my opinion leave. That makes Russias economy weaker and therefore easier for us to defend against Russias aggressions. Who knows maybe tomorrow you are on the frontlines and being pushed to kill others like so many your countryman do everyday.
But by staying in Russia and paying your taxes you contribute to the war effort. You are part of it. In my opinion leave. That makes Russias economy weaker and therefore easier for us to defend against Russias aggressions. Who knows maybe tomorrow you are on the frontlines and being pushed to kill others like so many your countryman do everyday.
Most of Russia's income comes from selling hydrocarbons, and I don't think any private individual's taxes can make a substantial dent in that. I mean, Russia is expected to make over $110bn next year selling hydrocarbons. How much one programmer's income taxes can change in that? Of course it matters as a question of personal conscience, but one has also to understand if you look at the overall numbers, it wouldn't change anything.
There are also Russians staying in Russia who try to fight the regime from inside, and that is also a morally correct approach to things. Actually, given Russia is supported by other countries including PRC, I think Putin's regime is more likely to fall due to internal rather than external pressure.
see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_emigration#Controversy
(if you do a text search of german newspapers, it's striking that the only people left using the word "Nazi" after 1933 were doing so from outside the country: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38732297 )
some people are also willing to suffer greatly for their beliefs (if recent events don't provide an example, see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Willems )
(if you do a text search of german newspapers, it's striking that the only people left using the word "Nazi" after 1933 were doing so from outside the country: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38732297 )
some people are also willing to suffer greatly for their beliefs (if recent events don't provide an example, see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Willems )
By staying in Russia and paying his taxes he also raises the chances that his countrymen won't be killed by the Ukrainians. Who knows maybe even some of his friends will get mobilized and be among those saved by his taxes.
I'm German so take this for whatever that means.
As long as you're not literally working on software for the Russian military or police apparatus, I don't think it's in anyone's right to condemn you for not leaving the country. Especially if you have friends and family and a stable income there.
However it sounds like moving would be an option for you and in my experience Russian software developers have a positive reputation in most of Europe, especially if they are fluent in English or the local language. If you are interested in the global market (i.e. the Western hemisphere - Asia and Africa is likely less of a problem), moving might be advantageous if only due to the sanctions and the strained relations that will still follow them whenever they are lifted. "I'm from Russia" is less of a deal-breaker than "I'm based in Russia" for the foreseeable future.
It's perfectly fine to continue maintaining your Russian social circle and your friendships, after leaving the country. As for business relationships, that's probably more limited and more likely to ruffle some feathers and may run into problems with the sanctions. It's also worth considering that Russia is cut off from European and North American banking and most countries have limits on how much cash you can take with you or bring into the country.
It sounds like your concerns are more motivated by pragmatism than principles. This is fine, but it's something you should be aware of when considering advice. Your environment shapes your perception but your principles only develop over time and often require serious reflection and may even end up in conflict with your environment. In the meantime I would suggest weighing the pros and cons but limiting the list to tangible factors that directly affect you as that's what actually motivates you right now.
So, stop thinking about it as a question of ethics but rather of comfort. It's also not about reputation but rather about business opportunities.
As long as you're not literally working on software for the Russian military or police apparatus, I don't think it's in anyone's right to condemn you for not leaving the country. Especially if you have friends and family and a stable income there.
However it sounds like moving would be an option for you and in my experience Russian software developers have a positive reputation in most of Europe, especially if they are fluent in English or the local language. If you are interested in the global market (i.e. the Western hemisphere - Asia and Africa is likely less of a problem), moving might be advantageous if only due to the sanctions and the strained relations that will still follow them whenever they are lifted. "I'm from Russia" is less of a deal-breaker than "I'm based in Russia" for the foreseeable future.
It's perfectly fine to continue maintaining your Russian social circle and your friendships, after leaving the country. As for business relationships, that's probably more limited and more likely to ruffle some feathers and may run into problems with the sanctions. It's also worth considering that Russia is cut off from European and North American banking and most countries have limits on how much cash you can take with you or bring into the country.
It sounds like your concerns are more motivated by pragmatism than principles. This is fine, but it's something you should be aware of when considering advice. Your environment shapes your perception but your principles only develop over time and often require serious reflection and may even end up in conflict with your environment. In the meantime I would suggest weighing the pros and cons but limiting the list to tangible factors that directly affect you as that's what actually motivates you right now.
So, stop thinking about it as a question of ethics but rather of comfort. It's also not about reputation but rather about business opportunities.
> I'm not involved in politics or the military action, but I can't help but feel implicated by my government's actions as a citizen here. Specifically, the increasing authoritarianism and human rights issues worry me.
You may be forced to participate in it if you stay, conscription.
If you feel like you are fine where you are then I'd just say stay.
> Is there anything constructive I can do if I stay?
What would that be? You contribute to their economy meaning you are helping with all the bad things your government does
You may be forced to participate in it if you stay, conscription.
If you feel like you are fine where you are then I'd just say stay.
> Is there anything constructive I can do if I stay?
What would that be? You contribute to their economy meaning you are helping with all the bad things your government does
> You may be forced to participate in it if you stay, conscription.
My understanding is that computer geeks are currently exempt from conscription.
OP's question suggests that it is still relatively easy to get a visa (living in Moscow should make it easy to visit embassies and do the needful), fly out of SVO, and convert ruble assets to local at the destination. (my bank stopped quoting ruble conversions last year, but presumably this is easier in other jurisdictions)
Unfortunately, unless one has dual citizenship (compare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWIfS7ZIr8 ) one is always at the mercy of one's birth country for travel documents. (and it is not unknown for a country to require that if you hold their passport, you must use theirs for entry and exit)
Maybe I am being overly paranoid, but if there is a list of geeks who are exempt from conscription, I would worry that it only takes one political decision to have a list of geeks whose passports should be pulled were they to attempt to leave.
(My bias: both I and my spouse are around because we had ancestors who got out of various jurisdictions while the getting was good. As they say: if you think you ever will, the best time to emigrate was 20 years ago; the second best time is now)
Questions for OP: do you have any destinations in mind? who (avoiding PII!) would you be taking with you?
> Эмигранты — не русское слово, / Но каким оно стало родным. — СВЛ
My understanding is that computer geeks are currently exempt from conscription.
OP's question suggests that it is still relatively easy to get a visa (living in Moscow should make it easy to visit embassies and do the needful), fly out of SVO, and convert ruble assets to local at the destination. (my bank stopped quoting ruble conversions last year, but presumably this is easier in other jurisdictions)
Unfortunately, unless one has dual citizenship (compare https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWIfS7ZIr8 ) one is always at the mercy of one's birth country for travel documents. (and it is not unknown for a country to require that if you hold their passport, you must use theirs for entry and exit)
Maybe I am being overly paranoid, but if there is a list of geeks who are exempt from conscription, I would worry that it only takes one political decision to have a list of geeks whose passports should be pulled were they to attempt to leave.
(My bias: both I and my spouse are around because we had ancestors who got out of various jurisdictions while the getting was good. As they say: if you think you ever will, the best time to emigrate was 20 years ago; the second best time is now)
Questions for OP: do you have any destinations in mind? who (avoiding PII!) would you be taking with you?
> Эмигранты — не русское слово, / Но каким оно стало родным. — СВЛ
>computer geeks are currently exempt from conscription
Not the self-employed ones.
Not the self-employed ones.
I've seen an example of somewhat similar movement at https://vas3k.blog/ - old posts of Vas3k paint an interesting picture.
Decision mostly depends on internal position, relative importance of various things. West does have drawbacks, but also may offer unique benefits, at least for the moment - like the ability to plan ahead for long enough.
Decision mostly depends on internal position, relative importance of various things. West does have drawbacks, but also may offer unique benefits, at least for the moment - like the ability to plan ahead for long enough.
While the current regime in Russia persists, any project you make and especially any company you make would carry the taint. It's not about you personally and you can do nothing about it, but doing serious business with a company headquartered in Russia would always be problematic for the Western counterparty, even if they don't have any political or moral objections (many would have). So, if you want to live in a world that is not limited by Russia, Iran, PRC and maybe India - leave. If you don't feel it's ok with you to live in a fascist country (and let's not mince words, that's what Russia is now), even if you personally aren't taking part in its atrocities, leave. As a young, smart person possessing skills that are highly sought after on the market, you'll do fine. There would be adjustment period, there would be some problems to solve, you may feel our of your comfort zone and you will undergo some frustrations, but ultimately you will be fine, and likely better than you are now.
Nobody can tell you what your ethics should be, now that you're not a kid anymore, it's for you to discover and decide. But leaving Russia with your age and your skill set is certainly doable and in fact not that hard. I emigrated twice, and I wouldn't say it's exactly easy, but it's certainly something one can do if you want it to happen, and there's nothing to it that a reasonably smart person can't solve. And the younger you are, the easier it is. If you feel like that's what you want to do, don't waste time.
There's very little chance you can do anything for Russia now, if you don't like what's going on there. If you try, you will likely be hurt, jailed and maybe worse. Some people still do it, out of the feeling that even the tiniest chance of making difference is worth it. Nobody can advise to anybody else to be a hero, it's a very hard and very thankless thing to do. Many, including me, would admire such a choice, but nobody can require it or fault anyone for not choosing it. I know what I'd do - I'd leave as soon as I could and never look back - but your choice is yours and only you can make it.
Nobody can tell you what your ethics should be, now that you're not a kid anymore, it's for you to discover and decide. But leaving Russia with your age and your skill set is certainly doable and in fact not that hard. I emigrated twice, and I wouldn't say it's exactly easy, but it's certainly something one can do if you want it to happen, and there's nothing to it that a reasonably smart person can't solve. And the younger you are, the easier it is. If you feel like that's what you want to do, don't waste time.
There's very little chance you can do anything for Russia now, if you don't like what's going on there. If you try, you will likely be hurt, jailed and maybe worse. Some people still do it, out of the feeling that even the tiniest chance of making difference is worth it. Nobody can advise to anybody else to be a hero, it's a very hard and very thankless thing to do. Many, including me, would admire such a choice, but nobody can require it or fault anyone for not choosing it. I know what I'd do - I'd leave as soon as I could and never look back - but your choice is yours and only you can make it.
Bit of a similar boat. I wish I had extensive and intelligent advice for you, but I'd definitely like to say this: _do right by yourself_. The actions of a few inglorious men in power affects everyone, and ends up tarring everyone with the same brush. IMO your duty isn't to a country or a flag - but to yourself. If emigration allows you to unlock/access opportunities that are otherwise (potentially) blocked due to geopolitical considerations, then it's only right to move.
This question suggests to me that you haven't fallen victim to (what I hear) Russian propaganda on its war effort. Perhaps it is because you are in software and better connected to the world via the internet.
What is the feeling of the rest of the Russian population to the war?
You seem to be tying two different questions together. Would you have better business opportunities outside of Russia? And is it ethical to remain in a country whose government is acting against your personal ethics?
I don't have an answer on the first question, but I recommend disconnecting it from the second question. There are many governments in this world who make poor choices, suffer from corruption, perform unethical acts, etc. That doesn't make their people bad people. If you don't want to live in your country because of its acts, I commend you for holding that strongly to your ethics. But make that decision for your own reasons, not because you are worried of how it will impact your work. Otherwise your decision is less about ethics and more about money.
I don't have an answer on the first question, but I recommend disconnecting it from the second question. There are many governments in this world who make poor choices, suffer from corruption, perform unethical acts, etc. That doesn't make their people bad people. If you don't want to live in your country because of its acts, I commend you for holding that strongly to your ethics. But make that decision for your own reasons, not because you are worried of how it will impact your work. Otherwise your decision is less about ethics and more about money.
Are your parents still alive and in Russia? Is it easy for you to leave them?
I would leave my rotting country (Slovakia) in a heartbeat if it wasn't for my old parents. I have a decent salary here but I'd gladly take a pay cut to live in a proper Western country.
I would leave my rotting country (Slovakia) in a heartbeat if it wasn't for my old parents. I have a decent salary here but I'd gladly take a pay cut to live in a proper Western country.
Dude what a ridiculous comparison, Slovakia vs Russia... What's wrong with Slovakia, I would like to hear it from you.
- the thwarted referendum in 1997 (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Referendum_na_Slovensku_v_roku...)
- the kidnapping of the president in 1995 (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zavle%C4%8Denie_Michala_Kov%C3....)
- the still unpunished murder of Robert Remias ordered by the former prime minister Vladimir Meciar (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B3bert_Remi%C3%A1%C5%A1)
- the still unpunished murder of the journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_J%C3%A1n_Kuciak) because he was exposing the crimes of one of the oligarch / white-collar mafioso running the country Marian Kocner
- "Kauza Gorila" - a massive leak of documents and audio recordings revealing how the people running the country systematically steal billions of euro (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauza_Gorila) - the money is missing in education, health, public infrastructure etc.
- the party in power called SMER is created and controlled by former prominent communists (Jaroslav Hascak, Juraj Siroky, Alojz Lorenc, Jozef Brhel, Vladimir Poor, Miroslav Vyboh, Norbert Bodor)... some of these people studied in Russia and to this day use Russian methods (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moskovskij_gosudarstvennyj_ins...)
- Special Prosecutor's Office investigating the crimes of the oligarchs was cancelled last week, a number of key positions in police, justice etc. are now held by white-collar criminals (some of them stull under investigation)
- 50% of the population is extremely susceptible to Russian propaganda which is very prominent here
And there more, tons more in fact. I am sure as hell I am getting the f*ck out of here as soon as I can before our transition into Belarus is completed.
- the kidnapping of the president in 1995 (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zavle%C4%8Denie_Michala_Kov%C3....)
- the still unpunished murder of Robert Remias ordered by the former prime minister Vladimir Meciar (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B3bert_Remi%C3%A1%C5%A1)
- the still unpunished murder of the journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_J%C3%A1n_Kuciak) because he was exposing the crimes of one of the oligarch / white-collar mafioso running the country Marian Kocner
- "Kauza Gorila" - a massive leak of documents and audio recordings revealing how the people running the country systematically steal billions of euro (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauza_Gorila) - the money is missing in education, health, public infrastructure etc.
- the party in power called SMER is created and controlled by former prominent communists (Jaroslav Hascak, Juraj Siroky, Alojz Lorenc, Jozef Brhel, Vladimir Poor, Miroslav Vyboh, Norbert Bodor)... some of these people studied in Russia and to this day use Russian methods (https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moskovskij_gosudarstvennyj_ins...)
- Special Prosecutor's Office investigating the crimes of the oligarchs was cancelled last week, a number of key positions in police, justice etc. are now held by white-collar criminals (some of them stull under investigation)
- 50% of the population is extremely susceptible to Russian propaganda which is very prominent here
And there more, tons more in fact. I am sure as hell I am getting the f*ck out of here as soon as I can before our transition into Belarus is completed.
Ok thank you for that.
It’s a simple decision (leaving your political attitudes aside):
1. either you want to be isolated from the rest of the world (except china and iran) or not
2. which values are better fit to your nature - radical fundamentalism and totalitarianism, or democracy and capitalism
All your life (social, financial, cultural, spiritual, business) is going to be shaped by those 2 decisions.
Because environment does matter.
For example - have you heard of many successful international startups founded in iran?
And chances are the longer you wait with the decision - the less opportunity window you might have.
1. either you want to be isolated from the rest of the world (except china and iran) or not
2. which values are better fit to your nature - radical fundamentalism and totalitarianism, or democracy and capitalism
All your life (social, financial, cultural, spiritual, business) is going to be shaped by those 2 decisions.
Because environment does matter.
For example - have you heard of many successful international startups founded in iran?
And chances are the longer you wait with the decision - the less opportunity window you might have.
Alla Pugacheva has seen a lot over the years*; I find her response instructive.
(The first Новогодний Голубой огонек I saw after the SMO had the audience padded out with military members; I was assuming this is because artists are relatively mobile. Not true?)
* Q. Who was Brezhnev?
A. A politician active during the early Pugacheva period.
(The first Новогодний Голубой огонек I saw after the SMO had the audience padded out with military members; I was assuming this is because artists are relatively mobile. Not true?)
* Q. Who was Brezhnev?
A. A politician active during the early Pugacheva period.
You worry about wrong things. At any moment Putin can close the borders and start “cleaning”, 1937-style. Run while you can.
Moving somewhere would be an experience in itself and would teach you to see the world a bit differently. The main thing is people around the world are not that different. You know how the majority around you seems to think Russia is fighting for a just cause because television said so? That same majority is just as unthinking the world over. Television gets them to do what they are told by telling them they are on the right side of history, the most moral people in the world, most cultured and advanced, and they lap it up.
> The main thing is people around the world are not that different.
Well yes and no. There are aspects which are the same everywhere, you pointed to one, that most people think what TV tells them to think. At the same time, some aspects are different. For example, as someone who's travelled in Russia I can assure that never anywhere else have I seen such deep indifference to politics. The attitude is "why are you asking questions, do you think you know better than them? (The people in power)" this is the complete opposite of how it is in the western world, and it allows these criminals to keep power with little effort.
So if someone is looking for something different elsewhere you shouldn't immediately try and convince them that everything is the same everywhere. Some aspects of people are the same, some are different.
Well yes and no. There are aspects which are the same everywhere, you pointed to one, that most people think what TV tells them to think. At the same time, some aspects are different. For example, as someone who's travelled in Russia I can assure that never anywhere else have I seen such deep indifference to politics. The attitude is "why are you asking questions, do you think you know better than them? (The people in power)" this is the complete opposite of how it is in the western world, and it allows these criminals to keep power with little effort.
So if someone is looking for something different elsewhere you shouldn't immediately try and convince them that everything is the same everywhere. Some aspects of people are the same, some are different.
I think your Russian travels were a long time ago. The vibe is very different now.
What’s different now?
However terrible this may sound, and however misplaced, there is a newfound sense of national pride.
In the 90s and 00s Russians felt like they were behind the West and wanted to emulate western culture. A common sentiment was "sadly it'll take ages for this country to become civilized like Europe". Another symptomatic figure of speech: "evroremont" - "Euro remodeling". The implication was there's backwards Soviet style and modern amazing European style.
Now the most popular fancy restaurants offer "ethnic Russian" cuisine. Product packaging uses fonts that ape old Church Slavonic. Everything good is described as "traditionally Russian". Some of these trends were already underway in the late 2010s, but have now kicked into overdrive.
The masses feel like the West has lied to Russia and would like to destroy Russia rather than accept it as a partner. This sense of impending doom has motivated everyone to work harder. I can't offer proof of this other than: you feel this vibe when you are there.
In the 90s and 00s Russians felt like they were behind the West and wanted to emulate western culture. A common sentiment was "sadly it'll take ages for this country to become civilized like Europe". Another symptomatic figure of speech: "evroremont" - "Euro remodeling". The implication was there's backwards Soviet style and modern amazing European style.
Now the most popular fancy restaurants offer "ethnic Russian" cuisine. Product packaging uses fonts that ape old Church Slavonic. Everything good is described as "traditionally Russian". Some of these trends were already underway in the late 2010s, but have now kicked into overdrive.
The masses feel like the West has lied to Russia and would like to destroy Russia rather than accept it as a partner. This sense of impending doom has motivated everyone to work harder. I can't offer proof of this other than: you feel this vibe when you are there.
I’m sure you’re right about this, but this does not really contradict what bdjsiqoocwk wrote, does it? Are people in Russia today more politically active than they were 10 or 20 years ago? Do they think they can influence things more?
I think everyone is a lot more political, but of course not everyone is on the same side.
There are people who are fully bought in to what the Russian media is telling them. They sing Putin's praises and think he will lead them to greatness ("we'll show them!"). There are people who don't like Putin but think that a US-installed government would be worse ("he's a bastard, but he's our bastard"). And then there are those who think Russia should be "free". This last group does not seem to be sure about what it is they want; they just point out all the atrocities committed by the current government and fight amongst themselves about who will be the leader of the opposition.
But people have opinions now. A few years ago everyone was largely OK to be a beneficiary of high oil prices, and OK with not paying attention to politics.
As for being able to influence something: I think this depends one which group we are talking about. Group 1 is very active. Group 2 is waiting for the whole thing to blow over. Group 3 is waiting for Putin to die and has vague plans of how they are going to be the ones in charge afterwards.
There are people who are fully bought in to what the Russian media is telling them. They sing Putin's praises and think he will lead them to greatness ("we'll show them!"). There are people who don't like Putin but think that a US-installed government would be worse ("he's a bastard, but he's our bastard"). And then there are those who think Russia should be "free". This last group does not seem to be sure about what it is they want; they just point out all the atrocities committed by the current government and fight amongst themselves about who will be the leader of the opposition.
But people have opinions now. A few years ago everyone was largely OK to be a beneficiary of high oil prices, and OK with not paying attention to politics.
As for being able to influence something: I think this depends one which group we are talking about. Group 1 is very active. Group 2 is waiting for the whole thing to blow over. Group 3 is waiting for Putin to die and has vague plans of how they are going to be the ones in charge afterwards.
What you mean by "politically" though? Politics as it is understood on the West - like people arguing in public about the best ways for society to solve their problems and to figure out the how the society should be managed - does not exist in Russia. It used to, but not anymore. This is something you can get in jail for. There's only one "correct" opinion about things - the one that the TV tells you - and if you deviate from it in any way, you are a traitor (and if you get popular, you go to jail). So you can't be "politically active" in Russia in Western sense, at least not for long.
With that, Russia has different kind of "politics", commonly known in those who witnesses the USSR or any other totalitarian dictatorship - in the form of constantly inundating the subject's mind in state propaganda and things the state propaganda feels important, and constantly requiring the subjects to participate in rituals and declarations that emphasize agreement and alignment with this propaganda. If you do not participate, you are suspect - nothing serious would likely happen to you, unless you start doing Western-style politics, but you're not one of the good people anymore. And your co-worker may write a donos on you to get a promotion ahead of you, or something like that. But most people would participate in it, many - gladly, because that's what all good people do and who doesn't want to be among good people doing good things together? That's the kind of "politics" that you'd find everywhere.
Oh and about influencing - I don't think anybody seriously thinks they can influence Putin's circle in any way, at least not among common people. It's just a lot of people there like it this way - the Tsar knows what to do and he does it, and our part is to support him whatever happens.
With that, Russia has different kind of "politics", commonly known in those who witnesses the USSR or any other totalitarian dictatorship - in the form of constantly inundating the subject's mind in state propaganda and things the state propaganda feels important, and constantly requiring the subjects to participate in rituals and declarations that emphasize agreement and alignment with this propaganda. If you do not participate, you are suspect - nothing serious would likely happen to you, unless you start doing Western-style politics, but you're not one of the good people anymore. And your co-worker may write a donos on you to get a promotion ahead of you, or something like that. But most people would participate in it, many - gladly, because that's what all good people do and who doesn't want to be among good people doing good things together? That's the kind of "politics" that you'd find everywhere.
Oh and about influencing - I don't think anybody seriously thinks they can influence Putin's circle in any way, at least not among common people. It's just a lot of people there like it this way - the Tsar knows what to do and he does it, and our part is to support him whatever happens.
I'm dying to hear as well.
My travels were first in 2016 then 2019. I'm skeptical that anything has changed since.
My travels were first in 2016 then 2019. I'm skeptical that anything has changed since.
[deleted]
I've been thinking a lot about whether I should consider emigrating to another country (currently I'm in Russia). I'm not involved in politics or the military action, but I can't help but feel implicated by my government's actions as a citizen here. Specifically, the increasing authoritarianism and human rights issues worry me. On the other hand, I have family and (very few) friends in Russia, plus clearer studying opportunities, and I'm not sure if I want to leave that behind; also, Russia is my home - I'm unsure whether this might be important.
I'm a software engineer in my 20s living in Moscow, with self-employment and quite stable income. I'm interested in building global startups, so I'm worried about the reputation of my future company(ies) in the context of remaining in Russia for so long. Meanwhile, I'd prefer to continue cooperating with my (small) Russian social circle. But I'm unsure they have my better interests in mind (so I'd also like advice on how to determine that, if possible).
I'm looking for perspectives from this community on the moral and other considerations and responsibilities I have as an individual. Mainly I worry about global reputation of myself and my (future) companies. Should I continue my life here as usual? Should I keep contacts and cooperation with acquaintances/friends (some of whom might be potential business partners) who remain? (Btw, I somewhat worry that I could absorb some of their differing beliefs which could make me less effective.) Is there anything constructive I can do if I stay? Or is leaving the country and minimizing contacts the only ethical choice?
Curious to hear thoughts. I'm especially interested in advice on how to weigh all this from those with more experience in similar situations.
I don't have strong opinions yet, so please share a variety of perspectives. Mostly looking for help in thinking this through in a thoughtful way during a confusing time.