The Gray Area with Sean Illing The War in Ukraine, Explained — Part 1: Why did Putin go to war?
Mar 31, 2022
Yoshiko Herrera, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives into the complexities behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She discusses Putin's motivations, influenced by a mixture of nationalism and historical narratives. Herrera explains how public sentiment in Russia has evolved and the role of state propaganda in shaping perceptions. The conversation also touches on the repercussions of the war on both Russian and Ukrainian identities, revealing the intricate tapestry of power, memory, and aggression that defines this conflict.
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Russian Nationalism's Imperial Core
- Russian nationalism isn't monolithic; Putin has explored various forms.
- The relevant variant for the Ukraine war is an imperial vision of restoring Russia's strength and historical lands.
Putin's Imperial Identity and Soviet Humiliation
- Putin's imperial identity is linked to post-Soviet humiliation and a desire to avenge Russia's perceived decline.
- This humiliation stems from the Soviet Union's collapse, economic turmoil, NATO expansion, and military losses.
Denazification as a Tool of Delegitimization
- Putin uses "denazification" to delegitimize Ukrainian resistance to Russian rule, invoking World War II memory.
- This rhetoric exploits historical complexities in Ukraine and justifies Russia's actions.