Potterversity Episode 73: Harry Potter in Russia

Harry Potter is a global phenomenon - but how has it been received in Russia?

Katy and Emily are joined Dr. Eliot Borenstein, professor of Russian and Slavic studies at New York University, to discuss his recent book The Politics of Fantasy: Magic, Children's Literature, and Fandom in Putin's Russia. Eliot tells us about how Harry Potter came into Russian culture, the initial response, and why it became such a cultural touchpoint within the country.

The series gained popularity within Russia, but also raised concerns and a level of moral panic. We consider Russian fan engagement, how the experiences of fans as Russians shape the content they produce, and what that tells us about Russia and the tensions within Russian culture in the 21st century. Russians fans have also used the vocabulary and imagery of the series to respond to Vladimir Putin and his regime.

The conclusion of Eliot's book is titled "The Cruel Optimism of the Wizarding World" - what does that mean in the context of not only Russia but a global rise in totalitarian capitalism? Does fantasy literature like Harry Potter - and its transmedia cultural movement - have the power to liberate, or to help people liberate themselves?