Towards a New “Soviet person”: The Biopolitics of Putinism Through the Lens of Ontological Security

Marcin Składanowski

doi:10.26881/srg.2025.12.8

Authors

Marcin Składanowski John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1437-8904

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26881/srg.2025.12.8

Keywords:

Russia, biopolitics, national security, ontological security, state ideology, axiology

Abstract

This article examines the biopolitics of Putinism through the theoretical lens of ontological security, arguing that contemporary Russia is pursuing a renewed attempt to construct a new form of the ‘Soviet person’. Central to this process is the increasing securitisation of domains traditionally considered private, including sexuality, family life, reproduction, and cultural expression. By invoking ontological security, the study shows how the state legitimises invasive control over the biological lives of its citizens by framing such measures as essential to the preservation of Russia’s unique civilisation and moral superiority.

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