How Putin Speaks | Dictator's Language of Power

Since Vladimir Putin launched his war on Ukraine under the guise of a “special military operation,” many have questioned what truly motivates him. Linguists who have studied his language for years suggest the answers lie in his words — in his rhetoric, tone, and deliberate choice of language.

In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Ksenia Turkova offers a compelling linguistic portrait of Putin. Drawing on years of analysis, she unpacks the rhetorical tools he has used throughout his presidency to project power, frame enemies, and shape public opinion.

Among the questions she explores: How do Putin’s words influence Russian society? What role does language play in constructing his image as a powerful, even mythic, leader? And what similarities can be found between his speech and that of political figures in the West?

Ksenia Turkova is an international journalist, editor, and media expert specializing in disinformation, propaganda, and the language of media. With a background in Russia and Ukraine, she has worked with Voice of America, Hromadske, The Insider, and other global outlets. She utilizes a foundation in linguistics and journalism and frequently comments on Russian-language media, hybrid warfare, and freedom of speech in the post-Soviet space.