Justification for war : A critical discourse analysis of Vladimir Putin’s use of symbolism in his major speeches justifying the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to determine how war can be justified in public opinion with instrumental use of ethno-symbolism. To answer this question the study investigates the motives behind the 2022 Russian war with Ukraine, by conducting a critical discourse analysis of the transcripts of significant speeches/statements given by the Russian president Vladimir Putin directed to his people, regarding Ukraine. The speeches being analyzed are: Address by the President of the Russian Federation (February 21st), Address by the President of the Russian Federation (February 24th), Victory Parade on the Red Square (May 9th), and Address by the President of the Russian Federation (September 21th). This research found a recurring theme of symbolic predisposition and prejudice in Putin’s phrasing, wording, and positioning, which was prevalent in all speeches analyzed since the start of the war. The study concludes that there are therefore solid indications that symbolism has been a key component in Putin’s justification for war.