Between 2005 and 2010, a set of books called “Project Russia” was distributed to high-ranking officials in the Russian government and other influential thought leaders. The books offered a detailed program of spiritual warfare against Western democracies culminating in “controlled global collapse” and the establishment of a “supranational” state headed by a Prince-Monk who “best understands the world.” The plan described is ultimately a program for subjugating the world, which would also be united together in a single religion.
This all may sound fantastical, or even absurd. But the Project Russia plan comports very closely with what’s unfolding now, and has been linked to groups acting on behalf of the FSB, Russia’s security agency. It’s worth considering the ways in which this plan also reflects the inflection point we now face in the United States.
Brief overview about the relationship between post Soviet Russia and the Heritage Foundation can be found in this post if you’re interested
It’s pretty similar. Oligarchs are the unquestionable and untouchable royalty. Everyone else can be a patriot who does the royalty’s bidding via their own exploitation or fighting in wars that keep the Oligarchs wealthy and in control of all the resources.
If anyone questions the ruling oligarchs, they’re not just going against the king/queen or even an elected president. Since Orthodox religion is a core part of the nationalist identity under their rule, anyone going against the rulers would be questioning God’s will. These are the leaders that God chose to represent him on earth, and if you try to go against them, you go against God and his entire nation.
Combining religion and patriotism as a shared national identity, provides a much stronger defense shield against criticism than either alone. If somebody questions the oligarchs who control the government, they’re attacking your country and persecuting your religion.