The Iron Web: The Kremlin's Battle for Minds at Home and...

"The Iron Web: The Kremlin's Battle for Minds at Home and Abroad"

Presented by: Eduard Sviridenko, PhD candidate in Media Studies (Western University).

All are welcome.

Part of the 2024/25 Mediations Lecture Series.

Attend in-person: FNB 4130
Attend online: Zoom link

Abstract: This paper examines the role of Russian propaganda in shaping public opinion and political narratives, both domestically and internationally, focusing on its evolution from historical foundations to contemporary digital strategies. Through an analysis of three key fields—propaganda theory, the psychology of persuasion, and the Russian media landscape—it explores how the Kremlin leverages media control, cultural norms, and psychological manipulation to maintain political legitimacy. The paper argues that in Russia, propaganda is a powerful state tool that constructs a controlled national identity while suppressing dissent. It also highlights the adaptability of Russian propaganda in the digital age, particularly its use of social media to amplify disinformation and shape global perceptions. By comparing Russian propaganda with its operation in democratic contexts, the paper underscores the complexity of media influence in shaping modern political discourse, offering a critical lens to understand its broader implications in the global information landscape.