How Russia exploits Europe’s cultural ignorance
Europe is facing a serious challenge from Russia, which is waging a hybrid war against its democratic neighbors. One of the main weapons of this war is propaganda, which aims to undermine the credibility of the European Union, sow division and distrust among its member states, and influence public opinion in favor of Russian interests.
Russia’s propaganda is not only based on lies and manipulation, but also on exploiting the lack of general culture of many Europeans. By general culture, I mean the basic knowledge of history, geography, politics, economics, and social issues that enables one to understand the world and form informed opinions.
Many Europeans lack this general culture, either because they are not interested in learning about other countries and regions, or because they are not exposed to diverse and reliable sources of information. This makes them vulnerable to Russian propaganda, which often presents distorted or false narratives about the past and present of Europe and its neighbors.
For example, Russian propaganda often portrays Ukraine as a fascist state that oppresses its Russian-speaking minority, and denies its historical and cultural ties with Russia. This narrative ignores the fact that Ukraine is a sovereign and democratic country that has a diverse and multiethnic society, and that it has suffered from centuries of Russian domination and aggression.
Another example is Russian propaganda’s attempt to discredit the European Union as a weak and dysfunctional organization that is controlled by the United States and Germany, and that imposes its policies and values on its member states. This narrative overlooks the fact that the European Union is a voluntary and democratic union of sovereign states that share common interests and values, and that it has brought peace, prosperity, and solidarity to the continent.
Russian propaganda also tries to exploit the cultural and political differences within Europe, such as the rise of nationalism, populism, and Euroscepticism, and the debates on migration, climate change, and human rights. It often amplifies and exaggerates these differences, and fuels polarization and radicalization among the public. It also supports and funds anti-EU and pro-Russian parties and movements, and spreads disinformation and conspiracy theories on social media and online platforms.
How can Europe counter this threat? The answer is not to ban or censor Russian media, as this would violate the principles of freedom of expression and media pluralism that Europe cherishes. The answer is also not to engage in a propaganda war with Russia, as this would lower the standards of journalism and public debate that Europe upholds.
The answer is to invest more in education and culture, and to foster a sense of European identity and citizenship among the people. Europe needs to educate its citizens about its history, diversity, and achievements, as well as its challenges and opportunities. It needs to promote a culture of critical thinking, media literacy, and civic engagement, and to encourage dialogue and cooperation among different groups and perspectives. It needs to support and protect independent and quality journalism, and to create a common and trustworthy information space.
By doing so, Europe can enhance its resilience and attractiveness, and can defend its values and interests against Russian propaganda. It can also contribute to a more peaceful and stable neighborhood, and to a more open and constructive dialogue with Russia, based on mutual respect and understanding.
