History as a Tool: Russian Identity and War Narratives

This chapter examines how the Putin regime shapes Russian identity through manipulated historical narratives, particularly in relation to the conflict with Ukraine. It discusses the use of myth-making and state-controlled education to justify aggression and understand public sentiment, alongside the suppression of alternative historical perspectives. The chapter also highlights the role of cultural producers in promoting state-sponsored narratives while exploring the potential for emerging counter-narratives within Russian society.