Old Divisions under a New Iron Curtain (An Analysis of New Divisions in the Context of Global Politics)

Abstract

The aim of the article Old Divisions Behind a New Iron Curtain? is to analyze the linguistic representation of the new Cold War and its impact on the extralinguistic perception of reality.
The research question seeks to determine whether there are fundamental differences between contemporary Cold War narratives (since 2007, when V. Putin effectively announced a new Cold War in Munich) and earlier ones from 1947–1991.
The methodology is based on the analysis of Russian (multi)media texts and the empirical observation of new Cold War phenomena, particularly the conflict and the manipulation of information that shapes the perception and actions of the target population.
Beyond examining contemporary Cold War narratives, the article also explores the construction of the “enemy” as a tool for shaping social perception and the mechanisms influencing public opinion through language and media.
The analysis revealed that the Russian Cold War narrative largely replicates propaganda patterns from 1947–1991 but incorporates modern information and media technologies. A key element of these narratives is the construction of the “enemy” and the linguistic legitimization of warfare, particularly through the concept of Ukraine’s “denazification.” The findings indicate that the battle for minds has become a crucial instrument of Russian foreign policy, with narrative manipulation mechanisms playing a key role in the Kremlin’s long-term strategy.