ZOiS Report 1/2020

World War II for Young Russians: the Production and Reception of History

Von Nina Frieß Félix Krawatzek 16.04.2020

Under Russian president Vladimir Putin, historical narratives have become a central component of the Kremlin’s attempts to shape the identities of Russians at home and abroad. These narratives provide a set of identity markers and aim to compensate for limitations in other spheres of life, such as a lack of economic growth, insufficient infrastructure, and restrictions on personal freedom.

This report by Nina Frieß and Félix Krawatzek analyses what World War II means for young Russians and how the conflict is represented for them, notably in literature and film.