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Manipulation of Memorial Through Russian Propaganda Strategies

Scholar Specializing in the Anniversary of triumphant event

Military personnel rehearsing tank howitzers for May 2022's military parade in Moscow.
Military personnel rehearsing tank howitzers for May 2022's military parade in Moscow.

Unveiling the Evolution of Victory Day Narrative: A Historical Overview

Manipulation of Memorial Through Russian Propaganda Strategies

Victory Day in Russia has undergone a remarkable transformation, shaped by political, cultural, and historical factors.

Early Soviet Era: Birth and Purpose

  • The celebration of Victory Day first emerged in the Soviet Union in 1965, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev initiated it as a means to strengthen Russia's standing on the global stage.[1][2]
  • In the early years, the holiday was not widely-celebrated and remained more of a political tool for promoting unity and nostalgic appeals.

Post-Soviet Shift: Revival and Redefinition

  • Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Boris Yeltsin reintroduced Victory Day in 1995, seeking to rekindle Soviet nostalgia and fortify national identity.[2]
  • This period saw the emergence of cultural practices like the “Immortal Regiment” marches and the adoption of the black and orange ribbon of St. George, symbolizing patriotism.[5]

Under Putin's rule: Revitalization and Militarization

  • Vladimir Putin brought back the grand-scale military parades in 2008, emphasizing the cult of warriors and militarism. This emphasis intensified in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict, portraying it as an extension of the Great Patriotic War.[1][2]
  • Over time, Victory Day has evolved into a central pillar of Russian national identity and a potent propaganda tool to project historical greatness and military might.[2][3]

International Repercussions and Diplomatic Consequences

The hue and cry of the Victory Day narrative has far-reaching implications for international relations, especially with Eastern European nations.

Eastern European nations: Historical Sensitivities and Persisting Tensions

  • For several Eastern European countries, the glorification of the Soviet victory may be construed as historical revisionism, given their subjugation following World War II.
  • The framing of the Ukraine conflict as a continuation of the Great Patriotic War aggravates tensions, giving the impression of a historical continuity between current Russian and Soviet actions.[2][3]

Wider International Implications: Geopolitical Posturing and Cultural Identity Conflicts

  • The spotlight on military spectacle during Victory Day parades can be interpreted as a show of force, potentially inflaming tensions with neighboring countries and global powers.
  • The narrative surrounding Victory Day fuels a broader conflict of historical narratives and cultural identities, shaping Russia's international standing.

In essence, the narrative surrounding Victory Day amplifies Russia's national identity and military ambitions, contributing to historical disputes and geopolitical tensions on the international stage.

  1. The European Union, in regard to the Victory Day narrative, may find this history and its implications problematic, considering the post-WWII subjugation of Eastern European nations by the Soviet Union.
  2. The commemoration of Victory Day in Belarus, a member of the Eastern European region and the European Union, may stir up complex emotions due to the nation's historical ties with the Soviet Union.
  3. The escalating polarization of politics surrounding Victory Day, including the diversion of resources towards military spectacle, could be a subject of discussion within the broader context of general-news and EU policy debates.
  4. Independent of the Victory Day discourse, the dynamics of osteuropa, or Eastern Europe, as a whole, can present challenges in terms of aligning nations with shared political and cultural values, especially given the European Union's diversity and ongoing geopolitical complexities.

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