Sex and violence: How Putin’s rape culture turned on Western macho men

AI BRIEFING

• ⬤ Putin's comments sparked outrage, highlighting Russia's toxic masculinity and cultural normalization of violence against women.
• ⬤ Experts link Putin's remarks to a broader rape culture in Russia, where aggressive masculinity is encouraged.
• ⬤ The phenomenon is also affecting Western men, who are drawn to Russia's macho image.