Dr Ian Garner - Russian Myth-making, History, and Social Media
Aug 2, 2023
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Dr Ian Garner, a historian and analyst of Russian culture and war propaganda, discusses how Russia uses social media to create myths about its history and identity as state propaganda. Topics include Russian cultural consciousness, the role of media in shaping perception, Russian identity influenced by propaganda, the challenges of countering Russian propaganda, interdisciplinary studies in diffusing historical narratives on social media, and the role of emotions and familial history in shaping Russian identity.
Russian propaganda utilizes social media and historical myth-making to shape Russian identity and influence public opinion.
The Russian government deliberately uses social media platforms to amplify specific historical narratives, particularly related to World War II, and create online communities that reinforce its propaganda.
Deep dives
Russian Propaganda and the Power of Historical Myth-making
This podcast episode explores how modern Russian propaganda utilizes social media and historical myth-making to spread its message about Russia's position in the world. The discussion highlights the long-standing cultural touchstones and myths in Russian society related to war. It delves into the idea that war narratives are deeply ingrained in Russian cultural consciousness and how they shape the Russian mindset and identity. The episode also emphasizes the importance of World War II, particularly the Battle of Stalingrad, as a central narrative in the Russian government's propaganda. The use of social media platforms, such as VK and Telegram, in promoting these narratives is also discussed, along with the government's efforts to amplify certain historical narratives about the war. It highlights how the state's propaganda strategy includes targeting children and youth through organizations like the Youth Army and Victory Volunteers, utilizing social media platforms and apps to engage them with propaganda. The episode concludes by exploring the challenges of countering Russian propaganda in the digital age and the importance of interdisciplinary studies and cultural experts in understanding and addressing this issue.
How Historical Narratives Shape Russian Identity
This episode delves into the ways historical narratives, particularly those related to war, shape Russian identity. It explores the Russian mindset and the distinct cultural touchstones that revolve around war in Russian society. The discussion highlights how war narratives serve as crucial components of the social fabric and identity in Russia. It highlights the importance of the Battle of Stalingrad in the Russian government's propaganda and its role in shaping the collective memory and identity of the nation. By examining the historical roots of Russian culture and the long-standing belief in the necessity of war for the preservation of Russianness, the episode reveals how war plays a central role in shaping Russian identity and worldview.
Russian Propaganda's Utilization of Social Media
This podcast episode discusses how the Russian state exploits social media platforms for propagating its narratives and spreading historical myths. It examines the deliberate and conscious use of social media by the Russian government to amplify specific historical narratives, particularly those related to World War II. The episode provides insights into the Russian government's strategy of presenting history as a quasi-religious, mythological phenomenon rather than an objective understanding of the past. It explores how social media platforms like VK and Telegram are used to promote and perpetuate these narratives, targeting different age groups and creating online communities that reinforce the state's propaganda. The episode highlights the challenges in countering and addressing Russian propaganda on social media and the importance of understanding the fluid identity and emotional elements involved in shaping public opinion.
Challenges in Countering Russian Propaganda
This episode sheds light on the challenges of countering Russian propaganda and the importance of interdisciplinary studies in addressing this issue. It highlights the need for historians and cultural experts to collaborate with political scientists, cyber experts, and military experts to understand the historical and cultural context in which Russian propaganda operates. The episode emphasizes the role of emotion and familial history in shaping Russian identity and the appeal of historical narratives based on sacrifice and renewal. It also discusses the need for international efforts to engage Russian audiences, particularly through social media platforms, to counter disinformation and promote alternative narratives. The episode concludes by emphasizing the significance of addressing the fluid identity and emotional aspects involved in Russian propaganda to effectively counter its influence.
In episode five of our Digital Histories series, we are joined by Dr Ian Garner - a historian and analyst of Russian culture and war propaganda - to discuss how Russia is using social media to generate myths about Russian history and identity as state propaganda.
Connect with Ian:
Twitter: @irgarner
Threads: @irgarner1
Website: https://www.igarner.net/
Ian’s books are available here:
Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia’s Fascist Youth
The views expressed in this podcast are the speakers' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Taylor & Francis. We have made every effort to ensure that the information in this podcast is accurate and up-to-date, but cannot guarantee that it is error-free. If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this podcast, please contact us directly.
