Russian Narratives: Russia as Victim and Last Guardian of Traditions

A special miniseries from the podcast 4 Minutes reveals how the Russian Federation uses words as weapons. We focus on narratives – stories that reshape reality, divide society, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Step by step, we explore how these narratives arise, why they work, and how to resist them. Each episode is about four minutes long and focuses on a specific story, claim, or method of manipulation. This series is for anyone seeking to understand not just propaganda, but how modern wars are fought – without bullets, using words. 

Transcript

We continue our special mini-series Russian Narratives, where we explore step by step how stories shape our view of the world. Today, we will focus on one of Russia’s most effective narratives – the image of Russia as a victim and the last defender of traditional values. This story is not accidental; it is carefully constructed, repeated, and reinforced both domestically and internationally.

Russian propaganda has long worked with the idea that Russia is constantly threatened by external forces. This theme has deep historical roots, reaching back to the Mongol invasions, Napoleon’s campaigns, and the German occupation during World War Two. In the modern version, this historical experience is used to legitimize the current actions of the Russian government. The rhetoric is simple but powerful: we are merely defending ourselves. We are protecting our borders, our culture, and our traditional values from a decadent, decaying West.

This narrative became particularly strong after 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and began actively supporting separatists in Eastern Ukraine. What was internationally perceived as an act of aggression was portrayed at home as a defense of Russian-speaking populations against an aggressive West, alleged neo-Nazis, and liberal decadence. The same rhetorical patterns have reappeared in connection with the war in Ukraine in 2022.

An essential part of this narrative is the emphasis on defending traditional values – family, faith, and patriotism. In Russian official communication, liberal democracy is depicted as a system in decay, promoting moral relativism, the destruction of family values, and social chaos. Russia positions itself as the last bastion of conservative ideals, the defender of true civilization against the alleged moral decline of the West.

This image is intended not only to mobilize the domestic population but also to appeal to conservative circles abroad. Russian narratives find resonance among those dissatisfied with the liberal development of Western societies. Whether it concerns migration, minority rights, gender identities, or globalization, Russian propaganda offers a simple alternative: a return to tradition, to "true order," and to firm values.

At the same time, Russian communication seeks to undermine the idea of liberal democracy as a system capable of self-regulation and renewal. It highlights political polarization, protests, economic crises, and cultural conflicts in Western countries as evidence that this model is on the verge of collapse. The Russian message is simple: look where freedom leads. Look at how the West is falling apart, while we protect what is true and lasting.

It is important to realize that this narrative is not just ideological. It is a powerful tool of geopolitical strategy. It helps Russia justify its actions not only to its own citizens but also to part of the international audience. It allows Russia to present itself as a moral authority at a time when its actions on the global stage are drawing criticism and sanctions.

This narrative is particularly effective because it resonates with emotions – the fear of chaos, the desire for stability, the need to belong to something greater, and the wish for protection against the unknown. And it is precisely these emotions that the Russian information strategy systematically targets.

Thank you for listening to another episode of the Russian Narratives mini-series. If you are interested in how these stories are shaped and spread, follow us on our social media – you can find us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where we share excerpts, extended content, and provide space for your questions and comments.

We invite you to join us again on Friday for the next episode, where we will explore how Russia uses the story of a decaying West to justify its geopolitics and how this tactic works in practice. We look forward to having you with us!