FROM THE UNDECLARED WAR TO HYBRID WAR: PROPAGANDA AND MYTHOLOGY

Abstract

In recent years, the issue of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war has become the subject of Georgia’s internal political debate. Two narratives contrast each other: the first narrative views Russia as an aggressor in the August war, whilst Georgia – as a victim. The second narrative, on the other hand, envisages Georgia as both – the aggressor and the victim. The proposed article approaches the latter as a political myth, which aims to break the ability of resistance within the society in line with the Theory of Hybrid Warfare. Furthermore, the article analyzes the historical basis of the aforementioned myth and draws parallels between the military episodes of Georgian-Russian relations from the 19th century to recent history. Lastly, the article shows how the image of Russia unites the guilty and the innocent and how it represents a source of constant hope and frustration.