Putin and Russia's new normal

This episode of From Our Own Correspondent explores the shifting political and social landscapes across Russia, Japan, Serbia, and Canada, revealing how global tensions are reshaping national identities. In Moscow, the Kremlin's tightening grip is met with quiet resistance as public fatigue grows over the war in Ukraine, internet restrictions, and economic hardship. Despite Putin's diminished public presence and the scaled-back Victory Day parade—framed as a security measure—undercurrents of dissent are emerging, symbolized by underground jokes and petitions calling for an end to censorship. In Japan, a historic shift away from its pacifist constitution has sparked massive anti-war protests, particularly among younger generations, as the government expands military capabilities amid regional threats. The emotional weight of this change is deeply personal, rooted in memories of war and nuclear devastation. In Serbia, the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad that killed 16 people became a catalyst for nationwide protests, transforming grief into a national reckoning with corruption and authoritarianism. Diana Hercke, a bereaved mother, emerged as a symbol of resistance, enduring threats and a hunger strike to demand justice. Meanwhile, in Canada’s Arctic, military robotics trials highlight the tension between technological advancement and the irreplaceable value of human expertise and indigenous knowledge. Despite significant investment in AI-driven surveillance, the Arctic Rangers emphasize that the human spirit and traditional navigation remain essential in one of Earth’s harshest environments.