Conservative Public History in Russia

Abstract

Conservative public history in Russia merges state propaganda with contemporary tools of public engagement. It emphasizes themes such as patriotism, military triumphs, and state-centered historical narratives, while restricting opportunities for critical reflection on controversial episodes of the Russian past – such as framing World War II as the Great Patriotic War, Stalinist repression, and the transformations of the 1990s. Key actors include state-supported organizations like the Russian Historical Society and the Russian Military Historical Society, alongside memorial projects, historical parks, and educational initiatives. Bloggers and media outlets also play a prominent role in shaping and disseminating these narratives. This article explores the main features of these practices and actors through the lens of “conservative public history.” Central to this approach are conceptions of a hierarchical structure of historical knowledge and specific constructions of expertise, which are closely tied to political ideas about the state’s pivotal role and the limits of the public sphere. The article also examines how conservative public history appropriates new media and contemporary methods of public engagement to advance its agenda.