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Discourse on MWI Podcast: Historical Perspectives, Personal Identity, and Russia's Aggression in Ukraine

Russia's 2022 Invasion of Ukraine and subsequent conflict has been branded as unprovoked, brutal, illegal, reckless, ruthless, inhumane, and cynical by Western leaders, media, and establishments. However, this view is not shared by numerous Russians, who view their armed forces as valiant heroes.

Discussion on MWI Podcast: Exploration of Historical Roots, National Identity, and Russia's...
Discussion on MWI Podcast: Exploration of Historical Roots, National Identity, and Russia's Conflict in Ukraine

Discourse on MWI Podcast: Historical Perspectives, Personal Identity, and Russia's Aggression in Ukraine

In the latest episode of the MWI Podcast, Dr. Jade McGlynn, a Leverhulme postdoctoral fellow in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, delves into the complex layers that shape Russians' understanding of the war in Ukraine.

Dr. McGlynn is the author of two recently published books: "Memory Makers: The Politics of the Past in Putin's Russia" and "Russia's War". Her work explores how Russian history is used, politically, to shape Russians' understanding of the world and Russia's interactions with it.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. McGlynn discusses how Russian history and identity deeply influence the way many Russians perceive the war in Ukraine. She frames it as an existential struggle rooted in historical narratives and a collective sense of self.

McGlynn points out that the Russian state uses the narrative of historical victimhood and defense against external threats to justify its actions in Ukraine. This framing taps into collective memories of past invasions and hardships, fostering a perception among many Russians that they are defending their homeland and civilization against hostile Western encroachment.

Consequently, the war is seen not merely as a geopolitical conflict but as part of the broader story of Russian endurance and identity. This aligns with broader observations that Russian propaganda leverages history and identity to sustain public support, portraying the West as threatening and Russia as besieged, which helps explain popular attitudes that the war is a necessary defense rather than an aggression.

Listeners can tune in to this enlightening conversation in full below, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or their favourite podcast app. If you're enjoying the MWI Podcast, please consider giving it a rating or leaving a review.

The MWI Podcast is a regular production, offering insights and analysis on a wide range of topics related to war and security. To stay updated on new episodes, subscribe to the podcast.

Dr. McGlynn's discussion on the MWI Podcast reveals that Russian politics, history, and identity significantly influence Russians' understanding of war-and-conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine. Her work demonstrates that the Russian state employs historical narratives and the sense of being a victim and needing defense against external threats to justify actions in conflicts like Ukraine, which aligns with the broader use of history and identity in Russian propaganda to sustain public support and portray the West as hostile. Consequently, these conflicts are not merely seen as geopolitical, but as part of Russia's broader story of endurance and identity.

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