Russian history professor Andrei Zubov: Mythologization of history not just Russia’s problem
Andrei Zubov, a Russian history professor and political scientist known in recent years for his criticism of Kremlin regime propaganda, found that the mythologization of history — the loss of an objective view, which interferes with being able to learn from history — is a problem throughout all post-Soviet states.
Speaking in an interview with Estonian daily Postimees (link in Estonian), Zubov stated that he found that the mythologization of history is not just a problem in Russia, but rather also a tendency seen in Poland and Estonia as well, for example, and a phenomenon common throughout the entire post-Soviet system.
“We all have a great desire to create national myths, believing that it will help,” noted Zubov, adding that this was a 19th century phenomenon.
In his opinion, Western European countries abandoned this tendency, but the European trend of demythologization after World War II passed the formerly occupied ex-Soviet states by at the time, leaving them to return to a period of Romantic nationalism.
Zubov found, however, that such a return was dangerous, however — not just to Russia, but to the Baltic States as well, as it impedes upon objective views of history.
“Only by studying the events of the past with a rational approach is it possible to learn from them,” added the Russian professor.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik