IMPERIAL NARRATIVES AS A TOOL OF AGGRESSION IN THE RF PRESS
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Russian imperial discourse in contemporary Russian media, based on materials from the «Literaturnaya Gazeta». Particular attention is paid to the ideological constructs used to justify the geopolitical ambitions of the Russian Federation, legitimise its aggressive foreign policy, and construct a hostile image of Ukraine.
The main objective of the study is to identify the key strategies of public opinion manipulation, ideological influence on the audience, and to compare modern propaganda techniques with Soviet-era media practices. The methodology of the research involves discourse analysis, historical analysis, comparative analysis, and sociological examination of the press.
The findings confirm that «Literaturnaya Gazeta» continues the traditions of Soviet propaganda, adapting them to the modern information space. The study reveals that the core themes of Russian imperial discourse include the mythologisation of history, the dichotomy of "us" versus "them", the justification of war crimes, and the delegitimisation of Ukrainian statehood. The publication extensively employs manipulative techniques such as historical falsifications, pseudo-scientific theories, linguistic aggression, and the cultivation of hatred.
The results of the analysis indicate that an intensification of aggressive rhetoric characterises contemporary Russian media discourse, the use of disinformation tactics, and the proliferation of neo-imperial myths, all of which contribute to the escalation of information warfare. The study substantiates the conclusions regarding the necessity of developing effective mechanisms to counter Russian imperial information influence. Specifically, the paper proposes the creation of a national information strategy, which should include the establishment of analytical centres, the promotion of media literacy among citizens, and the expansion of international cooperation in the field of information security.
The significance of this study lies in its emphasis on the need for critical evaluation of media narratives and the improvement of strategies to combat information aggression. The author also highlights the necessity of enhancing state policies in the realm of information security, which is crucial for protecting national information sovereignty. The findings of this research can serve as a foundation for further studies on Russian imperial propaganda and its impact on the global information environment.
Downloads
References
Baisha, O. (2019). Rossiiskyi imperialism ta media: analiz dyskursu rosiiskykh telekanaliv [Russian imperialism and media: Discourse analysis of Russian TV channels]. Innovatsiina pedahohika, 14(2), 45–50.
Bushanskyi, V. (2018). Rossiiska imperska ideolohiia: polityka mifotvorchosti [Russian imperial ideology: Politics of myth-making]. Naukovi zapysky Instytutu politychnykh i etnonatsionalnykh doslidzhen, 4(78), 296–310.
Kolisnyk, Yu. (2008). Formuvannia suspilnoi svidomosti zhurnalnoiu periodykoiu URSR (1950–1980 rr.) [Formation of public consciousness through magazine periodicals in the Ukrainian SSR (1950–1980)]. Chabanenko Yu. A.
Kufyrin, B. (2024, May 26). Nezryma liniia frontu [The invisible front line]. Literaturna hazeta, 20.
Pohodina-Kuzmina, O. (2024, December 27). Rosiiany pryiishly po myr [The Russians came for peace]. Literaturna hazeta, 51.
Pomerantsev, P. (2022). Dezinformatsiia ta propaganda v umovakh hybridnoi viiny: rosiiskyi keis [Disinformation and propaganda in hybrid warfare: The Russian case]. Litopys.
Radevych-Vynnytskyi, Ya. (1997). Ukraina: vid movy do natsii [Ukraine: From language to nation]. Vidrodzhennia.
Repnikova, M. (2020). Media ta viina v Ukraini: yak rosiiski ZMI stvoriuiut alternatyvnu realnist [Media and war in Ukraine: How Russian mass media create an alternative reality]. Ranok.
Shtepa, P. (2003). Moskovstvo: yoho pokhodzhennia, zmist, formy yistorychna thagliist [Moscovianism: Its origin, essence, forms, and historical continuity]. Vidrodzhennia.
Snyder, T. (2023). Rossiiska propaganda yak zbroia: yak Kreml vykorystovuie media dlia dosiahnennia svoikh tsilei [Russian propaganda as a weapon: How the Kremlin uses media to achieve its goals]. Naukova dumka.
Voevodina, T. (2024, December 13). Moia Ukraina [My Ukraine]. Literaturna hazeta, 50.
Yakovlev, O. (n.d.). Udavana badorist [Pretended cheerfulness]. http://www.idf.org/interview4.shtml (accessed January 17, 2022).
Zamshev, M. (2024, December 2). Dlia nas hotuvaly voroha [They prepared an enemy for us]. Literaturna hazeta, 47.
Zhytariuk, M. (2008). Sotsiokulturna model zhurnalistyky: tradytsii i novatorstvo [Sociocultural model of journalism: Traditions and innovation]. Prostir-M.
