Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially revived the Intervision Song Contest, a Soviet-era alternative to Eurovision, aiming to counter modern Western cultural influences. The event, set to take place in Moscow, will see participation from “friendly” nations, including China, Cuba, Brazil, and several former Soviet republics.
Intervision vs Eurovision: A Clash of Cultures
Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022 after its military intervention in Ukraine. However, Putin had been planning the return of Intervision for over a decade. Unlike Eurovision, which often celebrates diversity and LGBTQ themes, Intervision will emphasize traditional family values, according to official documents.
Performers will be restricted from singing about political themes or content deemed offensive to societal honor and dignity. The contest will stress “universal spiritual and family values,” aligning with Russia’s tightening stance against LGBTQ representation in media.
Historical Revival: The Soviet Roots of Intervision
Intervision was first launched under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in the 1960s as a counter to the capitalist Eurovision Song Contest. It originally united communist-aligned nations, including Eastern Bloc countries and Cuba.
With its revival, Russia aims to create a new cultural bloc, distancing itself further from Western Europe. Official documents suggest participants will be allowed to perform in any language, with the winner receiving prize money and a tour opportunity.
Who’s Participating?
Several countries have already expressed interest in joining the event, including:
- China
- Brazil
- Cuba
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
The contest will be open to all nations willing to respect “cultural, ethical, and religious traditions.”
A New Cultural Front?
As Russia deepens its ideological divide with the West, the revival of Intervision could serve as a soft power tool to unify like-minded nations. With strict participation guidelines, the contest reflects Russia’s push to position itself as a defender of conservative values in contrast to what Putin sees as Western moral decline.