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Opinion
Ukraine war: West must grasp Putin’s world view to avoid further Russian surprises
- Basic national narratives such as the threat of invasion, creating a ‘Russian world’ and protecting pure Christianity are driving Putin’s actions
- Rather than challenging them with facts and rational argument, what is needed are efforts to control the narrative and move it in a new direction
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James V. Wertsch is David R.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s world view is heavily shaped by a few basic national narratives, and he has toggled back and forth among them as he has become more desperate to convince Russians – and perhaps himself – that the war in Ukraine is worth fighting. If the West had understood this, it might not have been repeatedly surprised by his decisions.
Initially, it was hard to believe that he would invade – until he did. Then, after Russia’s embarrassing military setbacks, it seemed he would look for a way to draw down his campaign. Instead, he doubled down with a massive military mobilisation. While the consensus is that Putin will not use tactical nuclear weapons, will the West be surprised again?
What I have in mind are three key narratives: the threat of invasion by alien enemies, the mission to recreate a unique Russian world (“Russkii Mir”) that includes Ukraine, and the mission of defending traditional values and pure Christianity in global struggle with the “satanic” West.
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