JOURNAL ARTICLE

Militarization and popular culture in the shadow of war: the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest.

  • Published In: International Affairs, 2024, v. 100, n. 4. P. 1675 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Noy, Inbar; Viner-Serdtse, Meital; Press-Barnathan, Galia 3 of 3

Abstract

The article analyzes the political role of cultural mega-events, specifically the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, focusing on how the 2022 ESC became a site of intensified militarization. It explores three dimensions of militarization—material, symbolic, and commercial—through the case of Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra and their winning song "Stefania," which transformed into a war anthem and a tool for mobilizing support both within Ukraine and across Europe. The ESC, traditionally apolitical and focused on promoting liberal European values, shifted to a platform expressing explicit support for Ukraine and opposition to Russia, contributing to the emergence of a new militarized liberal European identity. The article also highlights the role of social media in amplifying these militarization processes and discusses how the commercial logic of mega-events like Eurovision normalizes militarized symbols within popular culture and entertainment.

Additional Information

  • Source:International Affairs. 2024/07, Vol. 100, Issue 4, p1675
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Music
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0020-5850
  • DOI:10.1093/ia/iiae133
  • Accession Number:178481281
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