The Cold War narrative

As Russia redraws the map in Ukraine, the media narrative is once again split between the powers of the East and West.

The East versus West media narrative that was already hard to reconcile became further separated by a seemingly unbridgeable divide, reminiscent of the Cold War. Nevertheless, when President Vladimir Putin addressed Russia’s Duma this week, the whole world stopped to listen.

According to Putin, and the Kremlin propaganda machine, Russia’s forces are protecting the Crimea from a new Ukrainian government with dangerous fascist leanings. For the Western media, nothing can justify a unilateral act against a sovereign nation. For Russia, Western criticisms resound with the hollow ring of hypocrisy.

Some journalists themselves have taken uncompromising positions. An American reporter for Russia Today resigned live on air in protest at the channel’s coverage.