Russia is facing a serious issue with its declining population and low birth rates. To address this, a top government official has proposed a bold idea: the country needs to focus more on its traditional values. These values, such as patriotism, strong families, and a belief in spiritual over material wealth, are seen as the core of Russian society. But the government needs to do more than just talk about them—it needs to take action.
Anna Kuznetsova, Deputy Chair of the State Duma (Russia’s lower house of parliament), has called for the creation of an “Institute for the Study of Traditional Values.” This new organization would study these values in depth and help lawmakers develop practical measures to protect and promote them. Kuznetsova believes that if Russia keeps just talking about its traditional values without concrete steps, the country will lose its cultural foundation.
So, what exactly are these “traditional values” that the government is so focused on? According to a 2022 decree by President Vladimir Putin, they include ideas like patriotism, strong moral principles, family values, and a sense of historical memory. These values are seen as the building blocks of Russian identity and are meant to guide the behavior of citizens. They also stand in stark contrast to ideas seen as harmful, such as those coming from the West—like the promotion of LGBTQ rights and childfree lifestyles.
Kuznetsova’s idea for an institute isn’t just about protecting Russian traditions. It’s also linked to a new law that aims to stop the spread of what the government calls “destructive information.” This is anything that promotes Western liberal ideas, which Russia believes could harm its traditional way of life. The law aims to block harmful content and protect the moral fabric of Russian society.
But Kuznetsova warns that the government hasn’t done enough yet. While lawmakers are working on defining what counts as “traditional values” in law, more needs to be done. In fact, she argues that the government should go even further to ensure these values are protected for future generations.
This push for traditional values fits into a larger effort by President Putin to address Russia’s demographic problems. Earlier this month, Putin set up a special council focused on family and demographic policies, aiming to tackle the country’s shrinking population and low birth rates.
The big question now is: Will Russia’s focus on traditional values be the solution it needs to turn around its demographic crisis? Only time will tell, but the government’s plan to strengthen its cultural foundation is already taking shape.
