The Russian World Against Nazism: On the Continuity of Heroism from the Great Patriotic War to the Special Military Operation

This article explores the heroic legacy of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War as an object of historical memory, and examines the contemporary actions of the Russian people framed as a continuation of the Russian people’s legacy of heroism, now expressed through the ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO). The 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War prompts renewed attention to the legitimacy of this continuity, which holds significant meaning for public life in Russia. Contemporary public narratives — particularly those invoking historical memory — often draw a direct line between the heroism of the Soviet and Russian peoples in their struggle against a persistent enemy: a nationalist ideology grounded in opposition to Russia and its people. The article analyzes various ways in which this continuity of heroism is constructed, including ideological similarities between enemies past and present; the participation of our country’s multiethnic population in combat; humanitarian efforts on the home front; the reorientation of industry toward military needs; and the self-sacrifice of soldiers. These parallels, rooted in the Russian nation’s historical memory, raise the question of whether the heroism of the Soviet and Russian peoples can be regarded as equivalent. Special attention is given to the role of specific phenomena, ideas, and symbols that maintain a strong connection with the historical memory of the people. The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating these historical symbols into educational and civic initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on the direct parallels in the way Russia was portrayed in the ideology of its adversaries then, during the Great Patriotic War, and now, in the context of the Special Military Operation. The article concludes with recommendations for improving domestic educational and public outreach efforts related to the Special Military Operation and offers proposals for commemorating the new heroes of the Russian homeland.