Cuteness in Service: Projective Identification as a Tool of the Narrative Warfare during the Russo-Ukrainian War

• In Event: Media Participation and Narrative Warfare in Ukraine

Abstract

This presentation explores viral stories about pets circulating in Ukrainian social media from the start of the Russian full-scale invasion in 2022. Building on the psychoanalytical concept of projective identification, I argue that in the wartime communication animals were rhetorically ascribed feelings, experiences, identities shared by Ukrainian community therefore serving as narrative projection objects. Narrative projection, cuteness and virality makes animal storylines an important component of the contemporary narrative warfare.

Author

• Kateryna Boyko, Uppsala U (Sweden)