Historical Myth in the Confrontation of State Memory Policies of Ukraine and Russia, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Bulgaria: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Modern Ukraine is in a state of hybrid war with the Russian Federation, where the struggle for territory is combined with the struggle for the meanings of the past, and the influence of the former metropolis continues to shape public perceptions and memory politics. Similar processes can be observed in North Macedonia, where historical myths are becoming a factor in inter-state conflicts, particularly in relations with Bulgaria.

The aim of the study is to clarify the essence and patterns of constructing historical myths as a tool for countering state memory policies, using the examples of Ukraine, Russia, the Republic of North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Despite the significant number of works devoted to memory politics, comparative studies between these countries are practically non-existent. The role of historical myths as a strategy of state influence, the mechanisms of their creation and functioning in political discourse have also been insufficiently studied. To identify common and distinctive mechanisms for constructing historical myths in the context of opposing state policies, the study uses methods of comparative and discursive analysis.

The results of the study show that historical myths are an important element in legitimising power and shaping national identity. They are part of a policy aimed at mobilising society and justifying the state's foreign policy ambitions. The main instruments for constructing myths are educational programmes, the media, memorial practices, toponymy, cultural projects and language policy. A comparative analysis of the Ukrainian-Russian and Balkan contexts revealed both common features and specific mechanisms for using historical myths. In the case of Ukraine and Russia, it is part of a hybrid war that has been going on for more than 10 years, aimed at delegitimising Ukrainian statehood, which later escalated into full-scale armed aggression. In the Balkans, historical disputes over historical figures and linguistic heritage have taken the form of political and cultural pressure, which complicates the process of European integration of North Macedonia and inter-state dialogue.