Barash R.E. Russians' interest in national history and the main sources of knowledge about it. In: "Arrow of Time" in the mass consciousness of Russians: assessments of the past, judgments about the present, ideas about the future ...

Abstract

The author explores the influence of history on the modern Russian political agenda and mass consciousness. The author analyzes how images and plots of the past are actively used in public policy, including in national symbols and statements by statesmen who emphasize the need to study the "lessons of history." Memorial policy in Russia has changed significantly since the early 2010s: The active participation of civil society in the preservation of historical memory has given way to control by the government, which is rethinking the national past in a defensive and mobilization manner. Since the beginning of the special military operation, public attention to national memory has increased, which indicates the relationship between historical knowledge and current events. Historical narratives form the "historicized" language of everyday life, which then serves as a moral guideline for understanding current realities and political decisions. The author emphasizes the importance of national history as a factor contributing to the formation of collective identity and understanding of current events, and also demonstrates how political institutions use historical memory to mobilize public support and form a systemic perception of reality.