The Participation of Russian Geographers in the Military Activities of Their State: From the Past to the Present

Abstract

The Russian scientific geographical community has consistently supported its aggressive regime throughout the entire duration of the war against Ukraine. The war is redefining the perception of science and altering the representation of the scientific community. Putin’s Russia presents a recent illustration of this impact within the Russian scientific community. An in-depth examination of Russian geographical science during the era of Putinism holds substantial relevance beyond mere abstraction. In the case of Ukraine, a distinct practical context exists. The scientific geographical community in the Russian Federation has demonstrated a notable lack of effectiveness. The extensive body of Russian research concerning Ukraine has resulted in the development of a fundamentally incorrect image of the neighboring country. Russia’s aggression towards another state consistently presents a “rationale” that appears to be grounded in systematic analysis. The process of making decisions about wars in Russia is characterized by its duration and collective nature. The involvement of the scientific community is significant in this matter. The area of the prospective victim is thoroughly analyzed. For many decades, Russian geographers have consistently been ahead of the Russian army. An examination of the scientific geographical research conducted within the Russian state can provide useful information about the actions and strategies this state may employ concerning neighboring territories. The post-Soviet space does not have an integrated scientific geographical community that functions solely as a professional association. Russian geographers do not operate as colleagues; they consistently act in support of their aggressive state and engage in its military conflicts. The engagement of Russian geographers in the execution of assertive initiatives under Putin’s leadership aligns with anticipated trends. The Russian scientific geographical community exhibits a range of strengths and weaknesses. This serves as a focal point for Ukrainian experts in the fields of science about science and geographical science to conduct their research.