“Canceling” Russia

This book focuses on Western attitudes toward Russia and the Russians following Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. Western attitudes, while diverse, often revealed a highly negative reaction that condemned not only the Kremlin but the broader Russian society for its alleged complicity and support for the war. The author uses the metaphor of “canceling” to capture the attitude toward Russians that (1) holds them responsible for the war in Ukraine, (2) denies acceptance and recognition to various expressions of Russian culture, politics, and society, and (3) favors maximum pressures and the ultimate defeat over negotiations with Russia.