Description
The research seeks to answer the main question: How do Russian elites construct justificatory political narratives prior to interventions and wars? It will be addressed through a critical discourse analysis of two case studies: Russia’s intervention in Syria (2015), and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022). The research data will consist of official statements and articles published by Russian elites during the year preceding each act of aggression. The study is situated within the theoretical framework of critical constructivist IR theory, and political mythology, arguing that prior to acts of aggression, states prepare not only their military and economic capabilities but also construct justifying narratives—political myths—to reduce domestic and international opposition. This approach seeks to address a gap left by other IR paradigms, which focus primarily on material factors and often overlook intersubjective meanings (national identity, legitimacy, and perception). The expected outcome is that the discourse is not static but is strategically adapted as the intervention or war approaches. Understanding the mechanisms used by the Russian regime to influence both international and domestic audiences is crucial for responding to the threats posed by such strategies.
