Russia Revives Intervision Song Contest Featuring 23 Countries Promoting Traditional Values

Russia has revived the Intervision Song Contest, a Cold War-era competition, as a direct alternative to Eurovision after being banned due to its invasion of Ukraine. The event, held near Moscow, features performers from 23 countries including Brazil, India, China, and others aligned with Russia, highlighting a geopolitical shift towards the Global South and away from Western cultural influence. Unlike Eurovision, Intervision emphasizes traditional and national values, with a professional jury determining winners instead of public voting, reflecting the Kremlin's aim to counter what it views as Western decadence. Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, promote Intervision as a platform upholding "cultural normality," contrasting it with Eurovision's inclusion of acts like Austrian drag performer Conchita Wurst. Critics consider the contest a Kremlin propaganda tool designed to blend entertainment with political messaging and reinforce state control over culture. The revival underscores Moscow's broader strategy to assert soft power and cultural influence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.