The hall of mirrors: Internal forces shaping Putin’s rationale for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. An analysis of Russian ideology, oligarchs, and key figures influencing Putin’s decision-making
Journal: Journal of Global Faultlines
Year: 2025

Ideology is like a mirror; while it reflects an objective reality, it can also distort and create illusions, reshaping reality to fit a particular narrative. Putin’s rationale for the invasion of Ukraine isn’t based on a single clear ideological focus but is a mix of different ideologies. This article examines the internal dynamics influencing Putin’s decision-making process behind the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It analyzes the emergence of these figures and groups and the influences they exer