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The Religious Right and Russia: Christian Nationalism and Americans' Views on Russia and Vladimir Putin Before and After the Ukranian Invasion

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Abstract

Since 2016, Americans’ attitudes toward Russia and Vladimir Putin have shifted, with Republicans becoming far more supportive of both. And though condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 remains bipartisan, many Christian-right leaders still support Putin and Russia. What undergirds this support? Drawing on three national data sets, we theorize Americans’ warmth toward Putin and Russia is reinforced by an ideology that seeks to institutionalize America’s mythical Anglo Protestant ethno-culture—Christian nationalism. Though we propose Christian nationalism’s relationship with Russia is more contingent on Russia’s geopolitical activity vis-à-vis the US, we theorize Christian nationalism consistently predicts Putin support due to his authoritarian ethno-nationalism. April 2018 data show those who affirm America’s Christian heritage in the past and/or present are more likely to view Putin and Russia favorably and Russia as our ally. March 2021 data also reveal a linear positive association between Christian nationalism and favorability toward Putin. And March 2022 data reveal a linear positive association between Christian nationalism and admiring Putin’s leadership. They also show a U-shaped curvilinear relationship with viewing Russia as a threat. Paradoxically, Christian nationalism may warm Americans toward foreign authoritarians like Putin even when it compels Americans to perceive their nations as threats.

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... Putin's focus on stability and security has also come at the expense of economic and social development, as resources have been diverted away from healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Perry et al., (2023) argued that Putin's foreign policy actions, such as the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, have contributed to increased tensions and instability in the region. Overall, while Putin's approach to leadership has allowed him to maintain control over Russia, it has come at a significant cost to the broader population and the global community. ...
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This research paper examines the role of responsible and irresponsible leadership in two major crises: the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Russia-Ukraine War. The paper provides a background and context for responsible leadership and an overview of the two crises. The purpose and significance of the research paper are discussed, along with an analysis of the leadership style of key figures in each crisis. The paper evaluates how President Kennedy’s responsible leadership approach contributed to a successful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis and how Khrushchev’s irresponsible leadership approach contributed to an escalation of the crisis. Similarly, the paper examines how President Putin’s responsible leadership approach contributed to a more stable and peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine War, while Yanukovych’s irresponsible leadership approach contributed to the destabilization of Ukraine. The paper concludes by discussing the importance of responsible leadership principles in crises, highlighting how leaders who prioritize transparency, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to promoting the broader social, economic, and environmental interests of the population can build trust, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful solutions. The paper also highlights the consequences of leaders who prioritize their own interests over the broader interests of the population, disregard democratic norms, and engage in deceptive or unethical behavior, which can contribute to instability, escalation, and conflict. Overall, this research paper contributes to a better understanding of the impact of responsible and irresponsible leadership in crises and highlights the need for leaders to prioritize responsible leadership principles in all aspects of their decision-making process, particularly during times of crisis.
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