Authors

Ksenija Iljina¹;  ¹ ,

Discussion

This paper explores how the mythology of the 90s influences Soviet nostalgia among Russian-speaking communities in Latvia, examining the interplay between cultural narratives, identity formation, and memory politics in the post-Soviet era. The 90s, often depicted as a period of chaos, economic hardship, and social upheaval, have become a focal point in contemporary Russian cultural products – including television series, music, and other media – that romanticise or dramatise this tumultuous decade. Russian state propaganda also perpetuates myths of the 90s to contrast the instability of that era with the purported stability of the current regime.


In the context of Latvia, these mythologies resonate deeply within Russian-speaking communities, shaping collective memories and contributing to a sense of nostalgia for the Soviet past. Through cultural and media consumption, including films, music, and online content, the narratives surrounding the 90s serve both as a means of processing the traumas of the post-Soviet transition and as a foundation for community cohesion during a period of significant socio-political disruption.

Based on qualitative data collected from 2020 to the present – including extensive in-depth interviews conducted for my PhD thesis and subsequent research – this study analyses personal narratives, community practices, and media engagement to illustrate how the mythologisation of the 90s affects identity construction among Russian speakers in Latvia. The research highlights the emergence of a nostalgic discourse that intertwines dissatisfaction with current socio-economic conditions and a longing for the perceived certainties of the Soviet era.

By examining the influence of 90s mythologies on Soviet nostalgia, this paper sheds light on the broader processes of memory politics and identity negotiation in post-socialist societies. It also considers how these narratives are utilised by various actors, from individual community members to Russian state propaganda efforts, to disrupt conventional understandings of history and influence contemporary socio-political dynamics.

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how mythologised perceptions of the past can disrupt current identity formations and memory practices. It underscores the importance of critically reassessing our methodologies and perspectives when examining the complex layers of history, memory, and identity in the Baltic region and beyond.