Mikhail Zygar, a prominent Russian dissident journalist and author, discusses the propaganda fueling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sharing insights from his book 'War and Punishment.' He reveals how historical myths have distorted perceptions, leading Putin to underestimate Zelensky's rise. Alongside Edward Lucas, a columnist and national security expert, they dissect the political implications of language and identity in shaping contemporary Ukrainian nationalism. Their compelling analysis highlights the urgent need to debunk enduring imperial narratives and confront cultural legacies.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Apology to Nadia
Mikhail Zygar wrote an apology to his friend Nadia who stopped talking to him.
She considered him an imperialist, prompting Zygar's book attacking Russian imperialism.
insights INSIGHT
Complicity of Writers
Russian writers and historians facilitated the war through 350 years of rhetoric.
Their words sowed the seeds of Russian fascism and deadly imperialistic ideas.
insights INSIGHT
Kievan Rus Dispute
Putin believes Kievan Rus is profoundly Russian, and Ukrainians appropriated it.
Ukrainians believe Rus is unrelated to Russia, with Ukraine being its true heir.
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The White Guard, written by Mikhail Bulgakov, is a historical novel that explores the tumultuous period of the Russian Civil War in Kiev. It follows the Turbin family as they navigate the complexities of loyalty, duty, and survival amidst the conflict between the White Army, Ukrainian nationalists, and Bolsheviks. The novel was first published in serial form in 1925 and has since been adapted into various stage and film productions.
War and Punishment
Mikhail Zygar
In 'War and Punishment', Mikhail Zygar provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural context leading to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The book delves into the centuries-long history of Russian imperialism and its effects on Ukraine, offering insights into Putin's motivations and the broader implications for global politics. Zygar argues that Russia's imperial ambitions are deeply ingrained and that understanding this history is crucial for moving forward.
What are the connections between propaganda about the Russian Empire and the invasion of Ukraine? Mikhail Zygar, a renowned Russian dissident journalist, is the founding editor-in-chief of Russian news TV channel Dozhd, who was forced to close his company and flee the country after condemning the invasion. In July 2023 he came to Intelligence Squared to share his insights into the power struggles and myths that shape Russo-Ukrainian relations today. Drawing on his new book War and Punishment: Putin, Zelensky, and the Path to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Zygar explored how pervasive historical myths about Ukraine led Russian President Putin to underestimate the growing influence of Volodymyr Zelensky, the television comic who ultimately became Ukraine’s president. Joining Zygar in conversation is Edward Lucas, columnist at The Times and an expert on National Security.
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