The Remarkable Return of Intervision: Russia's Homegrown Alternative to Eurovision
Russia Dispatches Nationalists to Eurovision Song Contest
In the midst of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) has dismissed its participation, leaving a vacant spot for music enthusiasts. But fear not, for Moscow has its sights set on a new singing sensation - Intervision, a revived international competition designed to fill the void left by ESC.
Jaroslaw Dronow, a 33-year-old staunch supporter of Vladimir Putin and a nationalist sensation known by his stage name, Shaman, is set to represent Russia in this politically heated event. Shaman gained notoriety within his homeland with his nationalistic anthem, "I Am Russian," which was released shortly after the war commenced and quickly rose to popularity among Russians.
The launch of Intervision is a strategic move by the Russian government, filled with political significance and conveyed through a series of presidential decrees. Moscow has managed to garner international support for the event, with over 20 nations, including China, expressing their intention to participate. The competition is set to take place in the fall, providing a platform for countries to showcase their talents and strengthen cultural ties.
In the past, Russia achieved considerable success in the ESC, with Dima Bilan clinching the competition in 2008 and securing several second and third-place finishes. The 2022 exclusion following the invasion of Ukraine was met with disappointment by many Russians. Nevertheless, the Intervision contest offers a new opportunity for Russia to assert its cultural influence and bid to maintain its standing on the global stage.
The Diplomatic Implications of Intervision
Intervision, initially founded by the International Radio and Television Organization (OIRT) before its dissolution in 1993, has been reborn as a platform for fostering international cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Its revival can be seen as part of Russia's strategy to strengthen its relationships within the BRICS bloc (Brazil, India, China, and South Africa) and beyond, as other nations have expressed their interest in participating.
The contest serves as a counterbalance to Western-dominated cultural events like Eurovision, providing Russia with an opportunity to exercise its soft power and promote its cultural allure in a world where cultural diplomacy holds substantial weight. By hosting events like Intervision, Russia aims to project itself as a cultural hub, distinct from Western European influences.
Information on specific participating countries beyond BRICS is yet to be confirmed, but historically, Intervision has involved a diverse range of countries, some of which were outside the socialist bloc. The inclusion of numerous nations underscores Russia's broader objective to create alliances and foster cooperation outside traditional Western frameworks.
In essence, Intervision is a cultural event with profound political connotations for Russia. Beyond promoting music and talent, it serves as a tool for cultural diplomacy and a testament to Russia's ambitions to establish itself as a significant player in the cultural sphere, distinct from Western-dominated platforms. As the competition approaches, eyes will be on Moscow to see how Intervision unfolds on the global stage.
I'm not going to be a big fan of this Intervision, given my preference for the Eurovision Song Contest. The upcoming Intervision concert in 2022, though politically charged, might offer an intriguing counterbalance to the Western-dominated cultural events like Eurovision, showcasing Russian culture and influence on a global scale. As Russian favoritism toward this revived competition increases, it underscores their pursuit of cultural diplomacy to establish distinctiveness from Western European influences.
