... across Asia and Africa, distinct narratives of the Second World War have taken shape—narratives that, while not always central, nonetheless constitute important elements of their national biographies.
China and the DPRK: The Great Victory
Echoes of World War II. RIAC Special Project on how the memory of WWII influences politics and society in the world (In Russian)
A triumphalist narrative of the Second World War has taken shape in both China and the DPRK, where the defeat of Japanese militarism is presented as a watershed moment in national history and, unquestionably, a source of pride. At the same time, for their domestic audiences, each country promotes the idea of its own decisive contribution to victory, somewhat downplaying ...
... put in doubt, but the war itself led to the proclamation of India’s independence.
It is the last aspect which attracts the Indian public most. In this respect there is especial interest in the actions of the Indian National Army, which fought on Japan’s side.
In September 1939 India was declared a belligerent state by Great Britain. The British Indian Army underwent a major expansion and fought in South Asia and on other fronts. The threat of a Japanese invasion of India led to military ...
... regarding this day primarily as a tribute to the heroic generations of the Russians and the Chinese who shouldered the burdens of World War II and suffered the greatest losses. Joint events in Moscow and Beijing also testify to the cooperative endeavor made ... ... Russian-Chinese partnership, trust and friendship.
Commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the defeat of German fascism and Japanese militarism are being held absolutely free from any kind of politicization and are far from a response to the massive ...
... also urges Japan’s leaders to say sorry and turn over a new leaf. On April 28, Abe came to Washington on an official visit to see President Obama and address Congress.
Notably, former Prime Minister Kishi, Mr. Abe's grandfather, used to say that World War II was a sacrosanct experience and Japan had done nothing worth an apology. Quite a potent Japanese political school takes the view that all sides are to blame for the atrocities. Americans mass murdered the Japanese, A-bombed the country, and burnt down Tokyo and many other cities. According ...
