Putin's Altar Boy

Since its beginning in 2014, the Russo-Ukrainian War has become the most destructive war in Europe since World War II, with effects extending far beyond the continent's borders. While the conflict is geopolitical, Russia's aims extend beyond territory alone as it wages a hybrid war against Western countries that seeks to allure the Global South to a common front, led by Russia and China, against the "sinful and fallen" West. The Russian Orthodox Church is both partner and servant in this struggle.

Putin's Altar Boy examines Russia's war of aggression and its ideological background in broader historical and global perspectives. Deeply held religious and historical myths influence the ideology and identity of Putin's Russia. In particular, author Juha Meriläinen traces the resurgence of the Russian Orthodox Church from a persecuted institution under Soviet Communism to a power that justifies and supports Russia's illegal war. Meriläinen's analysis consider the classic question of the relationship between church and state from the perspectives of power, ideology, morality, and money.

Originally published in Finnish, Putin's Altar Boy was awarded the highly esteemed Lauri Jäntti prize in 2024 for the best Finnish-language nonfiction book published in the previous year. This Fortress edition has been updated to reflect recent events in the conflict.