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For God, Tsar and fatherland? The church’s role in modern autocracy

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  • Ekaterina Travova

Abstract

Using newly collected data on the contemporary density of Orthodox organization in Post-Soviet Russia and the historical spatial distribution of Orthodox monasteries before the Russian Revolution, I show that a denser Church presence is associated with a higher approval rating for the current president and a larger share of votes cast for the government candidate (ruling party) in elections. Today, the Church is less able to attract new churchgoers. However, it does affect the political preferences of those who, regardless of their faith in God, self-identify as Orthodox. The potential channel is the growing media presence of the Church.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekaterina Travova, 2026. "For God, Tsar and fatherland? The church’s role in modern autocracy," Post-Soviet Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(4), pages 345-372, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpsaxx:v:42:y:2026:i:4:p:345-372
    DOI: 10.1080/1060586X.2026.2649176
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