Propaganda: Shaping narratives in times of war

A journalist, philosopher, and historian discuss the challenges of propaganda in contemporary conflicts, using Russia as a key example.

Propaganda has long been a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, influencing international discourse, and justifying military actions. It has played a key role in spreading extremist ideas, especially in past totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

In Russia’s war against Ukraine, propaganda has been a central instrument for creating narratives that legitimize aggression, undermine democracy, and manipulate perceptions both domestically and internationally.

At this event, we’ll explore what propaganda is and how it works—particularly in the digital age—using Russian propaganda as a key example. Join us to deepen your understanding of the challenges posed by propaganda in contemporary conflicts, and to critically engage with competing narratives in times of war.

‍

Here's the lineup:

Volodymyr Yermolenko, Philosopher, Journalist, and Editor-in-Chief at Ukraine World

Teresa Marques, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Barcelona

Juliane Fürst, Professor of Contemporary History at Central European University and ZZF Potsdam

With moderation by Fabio Lampert, Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Vienna