Gregory's ServerIndulging in the thrill of a niche, non-Russian channel with a dash of foreign language mystery was fun while it lasted. But sometimes, the good stuff needs to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting world.
Some time ago, I created a separate channel for my English-language video appearances. I must admit, I found the semi-privacy of a foreign language combined with the semi-secrecy of a not-quite private but somewhat subterranean channel highly enjoyable.
Twice a month, we hold a conversation there - "Unboxing Russia", co-hosted by my esteemed fellow expert, Pradnya Bivalkar, an Indian-German scholar of media, cultural, and political studies.
Together, we dissect the fascinating complexities of Russia and India – deciphering Russian politics, untangling the intricacies of Indian development, and uncovering the hidden gems (or landmines) of both bureaucracies.
Each episode tackles current events, government policies, bureaucratic behavior, and the ever-shifting sands of social norms. We also delve into broader themes like the nature of statehood, the delicate war-dance between democracy and autocracy, the art of propaganda and image-building, the dynamics of public opinion, and the power of ideas.
By listening, you'll not only benefit from our unparalleled expertise, but also embark on a journey of mastering two magnificent accents – Russian and Indian!
We've already released six episodes of "Unboxing Russia", and (such is our modesty) have only informed a select circle of friends and colleagues. Our latest episode explores the fantastical in politics: from the Indian Prime Minister's divinely-ordained status to the autocracy's trend of heavily funding Soviet cartoon remakes. We even dissect a Russia-watcher's fascination with a certain Praetorian guard, rumored to be the heir apparent after saving the leader from a bear attack (yes, you can't make this stuff up, but you can read all about it in Vladimir Propp).
Here's the link (but don't tell anyone else):
https://youtu.be/0c5v1UpfXes?si=wAOtYYmdHFxE5vMa
Fantasies and Bodyguards: Can a praetorian become an emperor? Unboxing Russia - YouTube
НАСТОЯЩИЙ МАТЕРИАЛ (ИНФОРМАЦИЯ) ПРОИЗВЕДЕН, РАСПРОСТРАНЕН И (ИЛИ) НАПРАВЛЕН ИНОСТРАННЫМ АГЕНТОМ ШУЛЬМАН ЕКАТЕРИНОЙ МИХАЙЛОВНОЙ, ЛИБО КАСАЕТСЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ИНОСТРАННОГО АГЕНТА ШУЛЬМАН ЕКАТЕРИНЫ МИХАЙЛОВНЫProf. Ekaterina Schulmann
Dr. Pradnya Bivalkar