| Keywords [eng] |
Russia, Lithuania, pseudo-history, critical discourse analysis, constructivism, discourse-history approach, Russian schoolbooks, narratives |
| Abstract [eng] |
In this study I analyze pseudo-historical narratives about Lithuania in Russian textbooks and reveal their threat to Lithuania's national security. The main tools in this research are the critical discourse analysis method, along with constructivist and securitization theories; the research examines how these narratives are constructed, their ideological foundations, and how they serve broader Russian international political objectives. The study also explores how these narratives attempt to justify Russia's imperial ambitions at the expense of Lithuanian history. Four main narratives are identified in this research: 1) Lithuania as historically inseparable from Russian culture, 2) Lithuania as a beneficiary of Soviet policies, 3) Lithuanian partisan resistance equated with terrorism and collaboration with fascists, and 4) Lithuania as a Western puppet. These narratives are constructed by distorting facts, employing specific language, and utilizing visuals to support Russian geopolitical goals. The study finds numerous examples of historical distortions, starting with the portrayal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the present-day realities; they not only legitimize past and current imperialist policies but also lay the groundwork for future expansion. The research concludes that narratives pose a threat to Lithuania's national security as they are not simple interpretations of history; they are used to legitimize drastic political actions, such as declarations of war. The study highlights the parallel of pseudo-historical narratives about Lithuania with the "Novorossiya" concept in Ukraine, where pseudo-historical theories were employed to justify the invasion of another state. These narratives are not merely a tool for shaping Russia's domestic identity but also a strategic instrument in foreign policy. Delegitimization of the national narratives of neighboring states helps Russia construct a reality aligned with its imperialist objectives, which, as they already have demonstrated, could at any time translate into aggression against those states. Finally, it is emphasized that countering pseudo-historical narratives is essential not only for preserving national identity and safeguarding historical memory but also for ensuring regional security. Otherwise, Russia's constructed alternative reality could be imposed as truth. |
