![]() ![]() ![]() The Kremlin’s approach is indicative of the broader rise around the world of what have become known as GONGOs: government-organized non-governmental organizations. Consider the now-defunct, pro-Putin youth “movement” known as Nashi, which identified itself as “democratic,” “anti-fascist,” and opposed to “oligarchic capitalism.” What went unsaid was that it was sponsored and promoted by individuals with close ties to the Russian government. ![]() Vladimir Putin’s government, it seems, has come to see the value in wielding “non-governmental organizations” for military and political ends. In reality, these “volunteers” and “militants” are likely either Russian soldiers or mercenaries organized, equipped, and supported by the Kremlin. These Russian “volunteers” are suspiciously similar to the “pro-Russia militants” who invaded Crimea and continue to do battle in eastern Ukraine. Recently, for example, the Russian government announced that Russian “volunteers” would be heading to Syria to fight (the quotation marks are not mine they appeared in the headline of a New York Times report on the subject). What 10,000 Steps Will Really Get You Amanda Mull ![]()
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