Blivens 'Narrative' Article-4

Greetings,

In the article, ‘Crimea: Putin’s Afghanistan’ writer Harlan Ullman asserts that Putin has increased his support by boosting Russian nationalism and inventing a false ‘narrative’ of Ukrainian fascism that is allegedly threatening Russian citizens. The article uses the term narrative in a collective manner to describe Putin’s actions and rhetoric to justify the invasion of Crimea. He is using fear and propaganda to further the idea of Ukrainian fascism, which has resulted in higher popularity for him and increased nationalism as a whole. This story illustrates the power of ‘narratives.’

Based on what we have studied in class we know that this isn’t a true narrative by definition. The use of the term here describes a situation were someone is inaccurately shaping the rhetoric of a series of events. Manipulating the facts by controlling media, news sources, and the Internet has allowed Putin to create a spin that supports his invasion. The usage of the term still correlates to specific elements of narratology including providing a clear perspective or ‘storyteller’ and linking a series of events or ‘story’.

Ullman asserts that Putin is wining the ‘narrative war’ and that the West must present a ‘counter-narrative’ that is not overly aggressive but clearly points out flaws in Putin’s leadership. His failure to modernize Russia and over dependence on oil should all be a part of the narrative. The West should use the Internet to spread their message. It would be partially dependent on tighter sanctions and failing demands for oil. The writer outlines a clear methodology for developing and disseminating the narrative.

The ending of the article sparked the most reflection for me. It pointed to globalization and new financial and information weapons instead of using military. This article illustrates the power of narratives and the writer argues that a strong narrative along with cyber information and economic sanctions will combat Putin instead of military action. The use of the term narrative in this situation contains some elements of narratology and also illustrates the power of narratives in society.


Daily Times
March 13, 2014 Thursday
Crimea: Putin's Afghanistan?
BYLINE: Harlan Ullman
SECTION: Vol. XIII No. 70