Eurovision as Cultural Geography and the Russia Bloc

Radical Geography points out something interesting about Russia’s Believe Eurovision victory. Apparently Russia won solely because of bloc voting.

All the countries that voted for Russia (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, and Israel) either have large Russian populations left over from the Soviet Union or experienced major Russian immigration.

So what does this mean? Well, on the face of it nothing much. But some observers are wary with the ties ethnic Russians have with the old country. Some fear where the ethnic loyalties lie – something made evident during the Estonian Bronze Soldier Statue War. While this may be making a mountain out of a mole hill – major problems start when cultures do not integrate well and blocs form.

The bloc is not representative of current political feelings towards Russia but clearly indicates pro-Russian cultural leanings. Many feel cultural feelings should be monitored in a time where Russia is pushing movements aboard like "sovereign democracy" and Nashi-style organizations that appear to be fronts for Kremlin activity.