November 24, 2025

Newspeak: Authoritarianism Is Good


Newspeak: Authoritarianism Is Good
Russian books on politics. The Russian Life file.

On November 21, Barents Observer journalists revealed that the new Explanatory Dictionary of the State Russian Language praised words such as "authoritarianism" and promoted "traditional values." In April, the government granted the book "special status."

Rector of St. Petersburg State University and Kremlin confidante Nikolai Kropachev and Dean of the institution's School of Law Sergei Belov, among other academics, developed the new dictionary. The authors said that their work "is becoming a practical tool for implementing state policy to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian and moral values." Some definitions were developed in collaboration with the legal department of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The Barents Observer noticed that the writers "infused an ideological message" into many entries. The word "authoritarianism" is defined as "the most effective form of government in difficult times for a country (...) [authoritarianism] destroys hostile forces and allows for the limited existence of value systems other than the traditional ones."

Among the book's pro-Kremlin-influenced definitions, the word "propagandist" is equated to "Western" and "anti-Russian." In the entry for "hegemon," it says, "The United States, as a global hegemon, allows itself to not adhere to the rules in order to always win." "Colonialism" is explained as "the policy of Western countries aimed at imposing their ideology (...) on the peoples of other countries with the aim to suppress their national identity and entrench their subordinate position in the global market."

The legal status of "foreign agent," often used for Russians who oppose Russia's war in Ukraine, is defined as a person "conducting political activities in the interest of a foreign state and receiving funding for it." Despite adding new definitions, the dictionary lacks entries for the words "Stalinism," "GULAG," and "specialist."

Many definitions were also infused with religion. "Life" is defined in the dictionary as beginning at conception. The entry for "Priority" says it refers to "priority of the spiritual over the material." The definition also includes "the recognition of the importance of spiritual values such as God." The meaning of "marriage" has a disclaimer that same-sex unions are not recognized by the ROC nor the Russian state. "Mother Heroine," a title awarded to women who have borne 10 or more children in Russia, is also in the dictionary.

You Might Also Like

Cars for the Front
  • November 23, 2025

Cars for the Front

The Russian state reports that more than 5,000 vehicles confiscated from criminals have been sent to serve in the war in Ukraine.
A Russian AIDOL Falls
  • November 17, 2025

A Russian AIDOL Falls

Russia’s first artificial intelligence robot faceplanted after its first steps on a Moscow stage.
Referencing Putin
  • November 20, 2025

Referencing Putin

Data show a long-term upward trend in academic mentions of Vladimir Putin in Russia. 
Putin's Office a Potemkin Village
  • November 16, 2025

Putin's Office a Potemkin Village

Investigative journalists have discovered that Putin's office is actually three near-identical rooms scattered throughout Russia.
Watch Only Half an Episode
  • November 12, 2025

Watch Only Half an Episode

A Russian TV channel cut half an episode of a popular sitcom for jokes that implied a character might be gay.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices
May 01, 2013

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955