Back to the USSR—and Farther: Russia’s War Against Ukraine, Mnemonic Abuse, and Memoricide

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides valuable insights into the role of cultural memory in modern warfare, offering a nuanced framework (mnemonic abuse vs. memoricide) that helps explain the persistence of Russian aggression. The argument is well-supported by concrete examples from New Year shows and political speeches, demonstrating a clear trajectory from nostalgia to revanchism. The speaker effectively uses theoretical concepts to analyze empirical phenomena, making a compelling case for the centrality of memory in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture demonstrates strong scientific rigor, drawing on established scholars like Assmann and Arendt, and referencing specific primary sources such as New Year addresses and articles by Romaniekin and Sergeytsev. The title accurately reflects the content, which traces Russia’s mnemonic strategies from the Soviet era to the present war. The speaker’s academic credentials and the institutional context (Harvard) lend credibility. The description provides a link to the event page, which serves as a source for further reference.

The title accurately reflects the content, which traces Russia's mnemonic strategies from the Soviet era to the present war against Ukraine.

8/10

The lecture is delivered by a Harvard preceptor and memory studies researcher, drawing on established theories (Assmann, Arendt) and concrete examples (New Year shows, occupation concerts). The argument is well-structured and supported by specific references, though it is an interpretive analysis rather than an empirical study.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction of the speaker and her research focus.
• 10:00Definition of cultural memory and introduction of mnemonic abuse and memoricide.
• 20:00Analysis of New Year shows as tools for mnemonic abuse.
• 30:00Comparison of Russian and Ukrainian New Year addresses.
• 40:00Discussion of occupation concerts and their role in normalizing aggression.
• 50:00Examples of memoricide in occupied territories.
• 1:00:00Conclusion on the importance of mnemonic vigilance.

• Event Page: Back to the USSR—and Farther — Official event page with lecture description and speaker bio.

• Event Page — The event page provides context and confirms the lecture's content.