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Narrating a War and Constructing an Enemy : Russian Disinformation Narratives on Ukraine across European Contexts

Glindmeyer, Jan (2025) Narrating a War and Constructing an Enemy : Russian Disinformation Narratives on Ukraine across European Contexts.

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Abstract:This thesis explores how Russian disinformation narratives have constructed and framed the war in Ukraine across four European contexts since the 2022 invasion. Using narrative analysis of 715 entries in German, French, Italian and Polish from the EUvsDisinfo database, it identifies recurring themes structured around three strategic goals: delegitimizing Ukraine, justifying Russian aggression and distracting Western audiences. The study reveals not only widespread narrative coherence across contexts but also significant national adaptations that exploit historical grievances, political divisions and cultural sensitivities. Findings demonstrate that Russian disinformation operates as a modular propaganda system, aligning ideological storytelling with specific societal vulnerabilities to maximize persuasive impact. By highlighting these differentiated narrative strategies, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of hybrid warfare and emphasizes the urgent need for context-sensitive counter-disinformation measures within European democracies.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:10 humanities in general
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107663
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