Russian Narratives: Glorious History as a Weapon

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

In today's episode of the Russian Narratives mini-series, we focus on one of propaganda's most powerful tools — the past. While in many countries, history serves primarily as a source of learning and reflection, in Russia it is often used as an active weapon. Specifically, we will explore how Russia's famous victory in the Second World War, referred to as the Great Patriotic War, is repeatedly reinterpreted, simplified, and instrumentalized to serve current political goals, mobilize the population, and justify geopolitical actions.

The Great Patriotic War holds a special place in Russia's collective memory. It is more than a historical chapter — it is the foundation of national identity. The Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 is presented as a triumph of justice, bravery, and sacrifice. That is precisely why this narrative is so often revisited by the regime — because it unites people, stirs pride and loyalty, and evokes emotions that are essential for legitimizing power.

The Russian state actively cultivates this memory. The annual military parade on Red Square is not merely a commemoration — it is a political ritual. Military hardware, uniforms, and wartime symbols are used as visual reminders that Russia not only won in the past, but remains ready to fight today. This symbolism is not just about remembering; it is a mechanism to justify present-day aggression, whether against Ukraine or the perceived threat of “Western influence.”

One of the clearest examples is the narrative of “denazification” of Ukraine. From the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, this term has been repeated in all official Russian channels. It is a carefully chosen word that taps directly into historical memory and provokes strong emotional reactions. Labeling Ukraine as “fascist” or “Nazi” is enough to frame any military action against it as morally justified. In this narrative, the conflict is not with a neighboring country, but with the embodiment of evil.

This approach, however, ignores the complexity of modern reality. Ukraine is a pluralistic democracy whose president is a Russian-speaking Jew. Yet Russian propaganda hides these facts and focuses instead on symbols and simplifications. Its strength lies in emotional memory — and this is exactly what the regime manipulates. The war is not seen as a present-day conflict, but as a continuation of a sacred historical struggle.

In this context, history is not told to be understood — it is told to be controlled. Russian school curricula are adjusted to emphasize heroism, sacrifice, and victory, but only within a state-approved framework. Critical perspectives, discussions of Soviet crimes, or nuanced interpretations of historical relationships with the West are suppressed or banned. What remains is a curated past: victory, glory, and the image of an invincible nation with a historic right to confront any threat.

This “myth of victory” also infiltrates everyday life. Uniforms, souvenirs, patriotic songs, films, and posters create a cultural environment in which heroism and loyalty are not just virtues, but expectations. To question the official version is to disrupt unity. And those who disrupt unity are seen as suspicious. In this way, history is no longer memory — it becomes a mechanism of control.

Even more concerning is how this historical weapon is exported abroad. Russian diplomats and media frequently invoke Russia’s role in defeating Nazism as a moral license to comment on current global affairs. Criticism of modern-day Russia is portrayed as an insult to fallen soldiers. In extreme cases, we hear the claim that “Europe has forgotten who saved it.” Here, memory is transformed into rhetorical ammunition.

And that is precisely why it is essential to talk about these narratives. Not to question the genuine heroism of those who fought and died in the Second World War — but to draw a clear line between authentic remembrance and propagandistic abuse. Between reverence and manipulation. Between a truthful account and an ideological frame that tries to trap the present inside a curated past.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Russian Narratives. Join us again on Wednesday, when we will examine the image of NATO as Russia’s number one threat. We’ll explore how the phrase “NATO is approaching our borders” is repeated in Russian rhetoric and how fear, historical resentment, and Cold War memory are used to reinforce a constant sense of danger.

If you’re interested in these topics, follow us on social media — you can find us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and also on X, where we share clips, expanded content, and offer space for your comments and questions.

Until next time — and thank you for being with us.