The Cult of Death and War in Russia

The Cult of Death and War in Russia: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Propaganda

For centuries, Russia has maintained a complex relationship with death and war, one deeply embedded in its history, culture, and political systems. Far from treating these as tragedies to be avoided, Russian rulers and propagandists have often glorified sacrifice, presenting it as a noble duty for the motherland. This “cult of death and war” shapes not only Russia’s approach to conflict but also its national identity, fostering a worldview that prioritizes collective survival and imperial ambition over individual lives.

Courtesy of The New York Times

Historical Roots: Sacrifice as a National Tradition

The roots of Russia’s glorification of death in service to the state stretch back to its earliest days. From the Viking rulers of Kyivan Rus’ to the Mongol invasions and the era of the Romanovs, Russia has repeatedly cast its people as expendable tools for the survival and expansion of the state.

• Serfdom and Slavery: For much of its history, the majority of Russians lived as serfs or slaves, bound to their landowners. Their labor, their lives, and even their deaths were seen as resources to be exploited. During the Tsarist era, peasants were often conscripted into the military for life, with service viewed as a near-certain death…