'War and Punishment' chronicles the history of Russian oppression of Ukraine
Aug 21, 2023
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Journalist Mikhail Zygar discusses his new book 'War and Punishment' which debunks historical myths in Russia, exposing their role in the invasion of Ukraine. The speaker explores the moral obligation to take blame for Russian crimes, discusses the rise of fascism, and the impending end of Putin's regime.
Journalist Mikhail Zygar aims to debunk the historical myths that Russians are taught about their own country, including the idea that Russians and Ukrainians are the same people and the notion that Ukraine did not exist before Lenin.
Recognizing and taking responsibility for the crimes committed by the Russian Empire, including their impact on Ukrainian history, is crucial in understanding the current war and potential collapse of Russian exceptionalism and imperialism.
Deep dives
Debunking Russian Historical Myths
In the podcast episode, journalist Mikhail Zegar discusses his new book 'War and Punishment,' which aims to debunk the historical myths that Russians are taught about their own country. Zegar highlights the significance of these myths in the current context, as they have been used to build support for the invasion of Ukraine. He identifies myths such as the idea that Russians and Ukrainians are the same people and the notion that Ukraine did not exist before Lenin. Zegar emphasizes the need to challenge these imperialist historical narratives and start anew.
Consequences of Russian Propaganda and Imperialism
Zegar explains how these historical myths are instilled within the collective Russian psyche through education and media. He mentions that many Ukrainians also believe in these same myths due to their shared history as part of the Soviet Union. Zegar acknowledges that not all Russians blindly accept Russian propaganda, but he underscores the deep-rooted belief in these myths when it comes to history. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and taking responsibility for the crimes committed by the Russian Empire, including their impact on Ukrainian history. Zegar also expresses his belief that President Putin's days are numbered and that the war in Ukraine will ultimately lead to the collapse of Russian exceptionalism and imperialism.
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Debunking Historical Myths and Challenging Russian Propaganda
Journalist Mikhail Zygar says a lot of Russian historians were actually propagandists – they worked for people in power and wrote recorded events the way politicians and elites wanted. In his new book, War and Punishment, he breaks down the historical myths he says are part of the Russian psyche, one he says Putin uses to defend the invasion of Ukraine. Zygar tells NPR's Leila Fadel that he doesn't think everyone believes the propaganda, but that it's essential to uncover the truth about the Russian empire to understand how we got to today's war, and where it might go next.