Scholars of totalitarianism talk about the importance of this constant movement, this forever war, this need to do battle on behalf of something that needs protection. In Russia, this something has been postulated as faith and traditional values.

The quote by Masha Gessen, "Scholars of totalitarianism talk about the importance of this constant movement, this forever war, this need to do battle on behalf of something that needs protection. In Russia, this something has been postulated as faith and traditional values," highlights a critical characteristic of totalitarian regimes: their perpetual state of conflict to maintain power. Gessen points out that such regimes thrive on the idea of a continuous struggle, often framing it as a defense of faith and traditional values. This narrative creates a sense of urgency and justification for authoritarian control, portraying the regime as the guardian against external and internal threats.

Masha Gessen, a Russian-American journalist and author known for her critical analyses of authoritarianism, particularly in Russia, draws on academic discussions about totalitarianism to explain how regimes manipulate societal fears. The "constant movement" or "forever war" is a tactic to keep the population united and obedient by promoting a common enemy or cause, which, in the Russian context, is often expressed through appeals to conservative and religious identity.

The origin of this quote lies in Gessen’s extensive work covering Russian politics and her broader commentary on how authoritarian governments use cultural and ideological narratives to consolidate power. By framing faith and traditional values as under siege, leaders can rally support and suppress dissent, making the fight itself a tool of control and justification for repression.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a warning about how totalitarian regimes exploit social and cultural symbols to perpetuate their rule. Gessen’s insight encourages a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind authoritarianism, illustrating how the continuous framing of conflict and protection of "values" can become a powerful strategy to maintain dominance and limit freedom.