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Antony Beevor on Putin’s Stalin-like blunders, Lenin and Hitler | interview

The Telegraph・52 minutes read

Putin's distorted Russian history narrative, driven by a desire to restore honor, fuels his actions in Ukraine and Poland, reflecting past mistakes and maintaining a heroic World War II image. Various historical perspectives and myths surrounding World War II, the Russian Civil War, Polish animosity, and British identity post-WWII are discussed, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive, global approach to history.

Insights

  • Putin's actions in Ukraine are motivated by a desire to restore Russian honor post-Soviet Union collapse, driven by historical animosity towards Poland and a mix of Zarist imperialism and Leninist expansionism.
  • The Russian Civil War significantly influenced the 20th century, leading to the rise of fascism and shaping subsequent conflicts, with concerns about historical preservation amidst current tensions in Ukraine.

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Recent questions

  • Why is Putin's version of Russian history criticized?

    Putin's version of Russian history is criticized for being scrambled, self-contradictory, and ridiculous, especially his claims about Russia owning Ukraine from the start. This version is seen as lacking historical accuracy and credibility, leading to skepticism and scrutiny from historians and experts.

  • What drives Putin's actions in Ukraine and Poland?

    Putin's actions in Ukraine and Poland are primarily driven by his desire to restore Russian honor, which stems from the collapse of the Soviet Union. This desire to assert Russia's power and influence in the region, coupled with historical animosity towards Poland, shapes his aggressive stance towards these countries.

  • How did the Russian Civil War impact the 20th century?

    The Russian Civil War, occurring between 1917 and 1921, had a significant impact on shaping the 20th century. It led to the rise of fascism and influenced subsequent conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. The aftermath of this civil war reverberated globally, contributing to the geopolitical landscape of the century.

  • Why is Putin obsessed with Poland?

    Putin's obsession with Poland is rooted in historical animosity towards the Poles, dating back to past conflicts and occupations. This historical tension fuels Putin's aggressive stance towards Poland, as he seeks to assert Russian power and influence in the region while maintaining a narrative of Russian superiority.

  • How does the Orthodox Church influence Russian war efforts?

    The Orthodox Church plays a significant role in Russian war efforts by portraying Putin as a saint with a sledgehammer, emphasizing his role as a defender of the faith and the nation. Despite initial suppression by the Soviets, the church later became a tool for patriotic purposes during wartime, influencing Russian morale and patriotism.

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Summary

00:00

Putin's Historical Narrative: Russia's Self-Contradictory Image

  • Putin's version of Russian history is considered scrambled, self-contradictory, and ridiculous, particularly his claims about Russia owning Ukraine from the start.
  • The ideology of Russian imperialism, especially towards Ukraine and other Eastern European countries, stems from a mix of Zarist imperialism and Leninist expansionism.
  • Putin's desire to restore Russian honor, stemming from the collapse of the Soviet Union, is a driving force behind his actions in Ukraine and Poland.
  • Putin's obsession with Poland is rooted in historical animosity towards the Poles, dating back to past conflicts and occupations.
  • The Russian Civil War, occurring between 1917 and 1921, had a significant impact on shaping the 20th century, leading to the rise of fascism and influencing subsequent conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War.
  • Comparisons between the current war in Ukraine and historical conflicts like the Russian Civil War or the Second World War are complex and risky, as each conflict has unique characteristics.
  • Putin's actions in Ukraine reflect past mistakes made by Russian leaders, such as sending tanks into Berlin during the Second World War.
  • The impact of the Great Patriotic War (Second World War) on Russian national identity is still significant, particularly for the older generation, but varies among different demographics within Russia.
  • Putin's focus on anti-fascism in Russia is strong, with a refusal to acknowledge similarities between Nazism and Stalinism, emphasizing Russia's role as liberators in World War II.
  • Putin's narrative and actions are driven by a desire to maintain Russia's image as the "good guys" of World War II, suppressing any contradictions to this narrative.

15:44

Russian historian's concerns about historical preservation

  • A myth was created about 28 Kazak men defending Moscow against a Nazi division, which was later revealed to be fabricated by a journalist.
  • The head of the Russian State archives was dismissed for revealing the myth's falsehood.
  • Despite the myth being debunked, a movie was made, and doubting it was considered unacceptable by some.
  • The Orthodox Church's influence on Russian war efforts, including portraying Pin as a saint with a sledgehammer.
  • The Soviets initially suppressed the church but later utilized it for patriotic purposes during Operation Barbarosa.
  • The impact of the Orthodox Church on Russian morale and patriotism during wartime.
  • The historian's concerns about Russian tanks heading towards Ukrainian archives, fearing historical information loss.
  • The historian's access to Russian archives post-Soviet Union collapse and concerns about historical preservation.
  • The historian's doubts about the Whites winning the Civil War due to their lack of coherence and internal issues.
  • Changes in British identity post-World War II, with a shift towards more open-minded views and declining national self-confidence.

30:21

Multinational Historians Challenge Myths of World War

  • Many German historians came to British universities, leading to a multinational approach to history.
  • The myth that the war was fought for moral reasons is challenged by some historians who argue it was more practical, such as saving the Empire.
  • The idea that the war was fought to save the Jews is questioned, suggesting a different motivation.
  • Myths surrounding Dunkirk, the impact of Britain in the war, and the roles of other countries are discussed.
  • The decision to declare war had initially nothing to do with the Empire but later became defensive.
  • The Nazi-Soviet pact made war almost unavoidable, especially after the occupation of Prague in 1938.
  • The British Empire and dominions declared war, leading to a European conflict and eventually a World War.
  • The perception of the war as a moral endeavor contrasts with the reality of the evolving circumstances.
  • The French experience in the war differed due to their humiliation in 1940, leading to a unique perspective.
  • The British Army's amateurishness, contrasted with the professionalism of the Royal Navy and German Army, affected the war effort.

45:22

"War impacts, leadership, and decolonizing history"

  • The 88 mm guns were the best anti-tank guns, having an extraordinary effect during the war.
  • Many significant contributions during the war were unintentional but proved effective.
  • Churchill and Stalin were aware of the unexpected impacts of certain strategies.
  • The Far East, except for Burma, had a limited role in the war, showcasing Slim's leadership.
  • Some senior commanders, like Mark Clark and Douglas MacArthur, became obsessed with their public image.
  • Recent questions have arisen about Churchill's role in the Bengal famine and his racist beliefs.
  • There is a movement to decolonize history, focusing on a more global perspective.
  • Some argue that British history has been overemphasized, and there is a need for a broader understanding of world history.
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