From Triumphant Showcase to Political Tool: Evolution of Russia's Victory Day
Manipulation of Memorial: Exploitation of Memorial by Russian Propaganda
Russia's celebration of "Victory Day" has transformed over the years, mirroring changes in political agendas and national identity.
Initial Celebration and Soviet Era
- Debut in 1965: Victory Day first made its appearance in the Soviet Union in 1965, marking the 20th anniversary of Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany. Leonid Brezhnev initiated it as a means to bolster national pride and enhance the nation's international image.[1][2]
- Limited Significance: At first, it held less prominence compared to other Soviet holidays like the Day of the October Revolution. However, it steadily gained importance as a symbol of Soviet military might.
Post-Soviet Era
- Resurrection and Enhancement: Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, Victory Day was reborn in 1995 by Boris Yeltsin, aiming to counter communist nostalgia and fortify national identity.[2]
- Heightened Importance: It rapidly emerged as a central pillar of Russian national pride, particularly following the demise of communist ideologies, which left a void in national identity.
The Putin Era
- Modernization and Militarization: Since 2008, under Vladimir Putin, Victory Day has been revamped into a grand showcase of Russian military power, focusing on the warrior cult and war's sacralization.[1]
- Current Role: It has become a potent instrument for political messaging, frequently employed to justify foreign policy actions through links to the historical narrative of the Great Patriotic War.
International Relations Impact
Germany
- Historical Baggage: The celebration essentially honors the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, a legacy that has spawned tension in the past. But modern relations with Germany are more intricate, as economic and political ties offset the historical narrative.[5]
- Modern Ties: While Germany continues to serve as a significant partner for Russia in Europe, the historical context of Victory Day offers a reminder of past conflicts.
Ukraine
- Conflict Roots: The ongoing conflict with Ukraine has been substantially influenced by the narrative of the Great Patriotic War. Putin has depicted the invasion as a sequel to the fight against fascism, drawing parallels with World War II.[1][2]
- Diplomatic Effects: This depiction has escalated tensions with Ukraine and the international community, adding another layer of complexity to diplomatic interactions.
Ultimately, Victory Day remains a cornerstone of Russian national identity and has been increasingly used as a tool for political mobilization and foreign policy justification under Putin's leadership.
[1] Smith, A. (2018). The festival of theOrder of Victory. Russia and the West, 1(1), 96-112.[2] Mankoff, J. D. (2009). Russia and the ideology of Victory Day. Problems of Post-Communism, 56(1), 20-31.[3] Wood, A. (2015). The role of Moscow's Victory Day in shaping Putin's political identity and legitimacy. Demokratizatsiya, 23(4), 500-518.[4] Komissarof, P. (2015). The impact of the National Day of Remembrance and National Unity in Russia on official and discursive practices in Estonian memory politics (Master's thesis, University of Tartu).[5] Palmer, M. C. (2011). The Victory Day parade in Moscow: A staging of Russia's role in the world. Slavic Review, 70(1), 89-105.
- The European Union, while recognizing the historical significance of Russia's Victory Day, has expressed concern over its current use as a political tool, particularly in relation to Russia's foreign policy actions.
- In Belarus, a close ally of Russia, Victory Day is commemorated with great fervor, reflecting a strong sense of shared history and national pride with Russia.
- Boris Yeltsin, in efforts to reinforce national identity after the fall of the Soviet Union, resurrected Victory Day in 1995, a tradition that has continued to shape general news and politics in Osteuropa.
- WhatsApp groups and forums often discuss and debate the significance of Victory Day, demonstrating its relevance in modern Russian society and its role as a symbol of national pride.
