Capturing minds and reshaping the world

What is this book about? It demonstrates that the current wartime narrative – namely, that “Russia is the victim of a Western conspiracy and bears no responsibility for the outbreak of the war” – is deeply rooted in a historical and cultural context. It argues that Russian wars are fought not only on the battlefield, but also within the realm of ideas and public consciousness. As a result, psychological pressure, propaganda, agitation and the use of entrenched stereotypes and symbols all form part of the ongoing struggle over Ukraine.

This narrative did not emerge overnight; it has been shaped over years, even centuries, drawing on a distinct national mentality, specific characteristics, cultural traditions and historical experience. Its objectives include mobilising society, sustaining the morale of soldiers, creating a negative, demonised portrayal of the enemy, justifying claims to foreign territory, legitimising one’s own actions and political rationale, and gaining allies.

This is also a book about the distinctive mindset and modus operandi of the siloviki, shaped by the strategic culture of the Russian state. In Russia, the term siloviki is used to collectively describe officials of the uniformed services who embody the so-called ‘force factor’. Beyond their traditional roles of ensuring national security and defending the country’s territory, they have also been tasked with preserving the Russian Empire and shaping both the domestic and international order.

These reflections are structured around the overarching concept of ‘information warfare’ – a key to understanding the unique position of the siloviki within Russia’s power structure, interpreting the imagined geography and history of the world promoted by Russia and explaining the ‘geopolitical catastrophes’ it has allegedly suffered as a result of Western scheming. Admitting that Belarusians, Georgians and Ukrainians take to the streets because they genuinely demand freedom and democracy is out of the question; such developments are instead portrayed as deliberate attempts to push Russia to the margins of global politics.