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In September, Russian high school students in the 11th grade, approximately 17 years old, will begin using a new textbook for studying modern history. This textbook covers events up to the present day and includes a biased portrayal of Ukraine as an ultranationalist state where dissent is severely persecuted and opposition is banned. The book also asserts that the United States is determined to fight ‘to the last Ukrainian’, positioning it as the main beneficiary of the Ukrainian conflict.
However, this textbook is just one example of the Kremlin’s ongoing effort to shape an official version of history and forge a new Russian identity. This campaign extends beyond school education and encompasses various forms of media, cultural events, and historical re-enactments. The goal is to unite the population behind Putin’s aggressive foreign policy and maintain control by dictating a single version of history.
Russia, unlike other countries, cannot rely on religion, civic patriotism, or a state ideology to form its identity. Instead, it relies heavily on historical narratives. Under Putin’s regime, civic freedom has been suppressed, and communism is no longer a viable ideology. Therefore, history becomes a crucial tool for shaping national unity.
A cornerstone of the Kremlin’s campaign is the commemoration of the Soviet victory in World War II, known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia. This serves as a unifying memory for Russians, overshadowing the violent events of their 20th-century history. However, the official version of the war ignores uncomfortable facts such as Stalin’s deportations of entire nationalities and the military occupation of eastern Europe.
In contrast, during Mikhail Gorbachev’s rule, history was opened up to expose the atrocities committed under Stalin’s regime and acknowledge past mistakes. This challenged the Kremlin’s control and threatened state authority. Putin’s version of Russian history overlooks these darker periods and focuses on events considered praiseworthy, such as conversions to Christianity and territorial conquests.
This rewriting of history is not merely a matter of academic debate. It plays a crucial role in Putin’s war of conquest in Ukraine, as he justifies his actions by denying the legitimacy of Ukrainian nationhood. It is essential that accurate and unbiased textbooks become available to Russian students to counter these false narratives.
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