Russia revives outdated Intervision song contest amid Cold War nostalgia
- The Intervision song contest, initially held between 1965 and 1980, is being revived in response to Russia's ban from Eurovision due to the Ukraine conflict.
- The event is scheduled for September 20, 2025, and aims to reflect Russian 'spiritual values,' but critics see it as a tool for projecting geopolitical influence.
- Russia's revival of this contest illustrates a nostalgic return to Cold War-era ideologies amid ongoing tensions with the West.
In Russia, the Intervision song contest has been revived as an alternative to Eurovision following the country's exclusion from the latter due to its actions in Ukraine. Originally held during the Cold War between 1965 and 1980 in Czechoslovakia and Poland, Intervision was intended to showcase socialist values and promote solidarity among Warsaw Pact countries. The event's resurgence was ordered by President Vladimir Putin in February, with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko leading the organizing committee. The contest aims to reflect on the 'spiritual values' championed by Russian leaders and will take place in the Live Arena in Novoivanovskoye on September 20, 2025. However, despite its inclusive claims, the contest's revival has garnered criticism as a means for the Kremlin to strengthen its cultural influence and image amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the West. High-profile performers and contestants have been invited from countries dubbed 'nonfriendly,' and the event is seen as an attempt to project Russia's cultural presence on the global stage. The involvement of international artists is framed as a departure from Eurovision's political leanings; however, many potential participants have encountered barriers due to political constraints. The return of Intervision symbolizes a yearning for the past, as highlighted by critics who link it to a Soviet mindset and raise concerns over potential corruption in managing funds for the contest.