Russia revives anti-West rhetoric with Satanism accusations
Russian media are once again attacking the West, this time accusing it of spreading satanism. According to experts on the country, this is yet another propaganda storm aimed at consolidating Putin's power and tapping into the hostility towards the West ingrained in Russian society.
What do you need to know?
- Russian media accuse the West of spreading satanism, which is claimed to threaten Russia's national security. This stems from a debate initiated by Russian deputies and clergymen.
- Experts indicate that this is another propaganda storm, aimed at strengthening Putin's power and diverting attention from domestic issues.
- Russia has been opposing "Western ideologies" for centuries, a sentiment deeply rooted in Russian mentality and history.
What are the goals of Russian propaganda?
In reaction to the debate on satanism, Russian media accuse the West of spreading destructive ideologies.
According to Piotr Zochowski from the Centre for Eastern Studies, this is the next phase in the battle for the minds of Russians. "The idea propagated by this government is to maintain ideological purity," Zochowski noted. The Russian authorities use Satanism as a propaganda tool to reinforce their position and distract from internal issues.
Why does Russia reject Western ideologies?
Historian Piotr Gursztyn emphasises that confrontation with the West is ingrained in Russian mentality. "Kremlin propagandists can relatively easily cite examples of pathological phenomena in the West, as our world is experiencing a kind of axiological and ethical crisis today - that's a fact, not an opinion," he emphasised.
"Confrontation with the West is entrenched in Russian mentality," Gursztyn commented. Russia has opposed Western influences for centuries, stemming from a sense of alienation from the outside world. Modern Kremlin propaganda draws from this tradition, portraying the West as a threat to "Holy Russia."
Russian deputies and Orthodox clergymen actively engage in debates about the threats coming from the West. Tuesday's debate in the State Duma, attended by Bishop Pitrim, was another instance of such activity. "The President of Russia clearly stated what Russia is currently fighting against – global satanism," said Nikolai Burlayev, who chaired the meeting.
