“Kamikaze” Syndrome
How Fake History Crushes Democracy and Ignites War
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Beschreibung
The world was shocked when Putin's Russia invaded Ukraine: how could a war break out in Central Europe in the 21st century?
But it happened. Why?
One key to understanding this atrocity lies in Putin's twisted vision of Russian history, a past that glorifies his motherland. Such examples of the glorification and misuse of history can be seen elsewhere, but most clearly in Japan during World War II, when suicide attacks were called "Kamikaze". In reality, the term "Kamikaze" refers to events some 700 years ago when Mongol fleets attempting to invade Japan were blown away by a miraculous typhoon. This historical event profoundly shaped Japan, leading to the naming of suicide missions during World War II as "Kamikaze" in a desperate attempt to turn the tide of the war in Imperial Japan's favor.The selective misuse of history for political gain by autocratic governments, also known as the "Kamikaze" Syndrome, can also be observed in countries such as China, Myanmar and in President Trump's America. His political slogan "Make America Great Again" or MAGA, resonates an idealized and conservative version of a nostalgic past, which shares some similar traits with the memory politics of China and Russia.
"Kamikaze Syndrome: How Fake History Crushes Democracy and Ignites War" examines Russia, China, Myanmar, and America as comparative case studies of the “Kamikaze” Syndrome and memory politics and explains why this syndrome has the power to destroy democracy and ignite wars. It is an essential reading to understand today’s turbulent world, where the superpowers like Russia, China and America pursue the rejuvenation of their past greatness and, if necessary, would use military force and violence to achieve their goals.
The world was stunned when Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine—how could war erupt in Central Europe in the 21st century?
Yet it did. Why?
One key to understanding this atrocity lies in Vladimir Putin’s distorted vision of Russian history—a glorified past weaponized to justify aggression. This manipulation of historical memory is not unique to Russia. It echoes most vividly in Japan during World War II, when suicide missions were named “Kamikaze,” invoking a legendary typhoon that repelled Mongol invaders 700 years earlier. This mythologized past was repurposed to inspire desperate wartime sacrifice.
This phenomenon—where autocratic regimes selectively glorify history to legitimize violence and suppress democracy—is what this book terms the “Kamikaze Syndrome.” It is visible in China’s nationalist narratives, Myanmar’s historical revisionism, and even in President Trump’s America, where the slogan “Make America Great Again” evokes a nostalgic, idealized past with striking parallels to the memory politics of Russia and China.
This book offers a compelling comparative analysis of Russia, China, Myanmar, and the United States, revealing how distorted historical narratives can fuel authoritarianism, erode democratic institutions, and ignite conflict. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand today’s turbulent geopolitical landscape, this book exposes the dangerous power of fake history in shaping the future.
Provides a new perspective in understanding modern wars and the psychology behind leaders of modern autocratic states Discusses how autocratic governments use not only fake news but also fake history for political gains Explains a syndrome that is universal and that could appear in any country and at any point in history
Autor*in
Yoshikazu Mikami
Themen in »“Kamikaze” Syndrome«
Kamikaze Syndrome Ukraine War Memory Politcs President Putin Kamikaze Myanmar Coup Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Fake News Fake History Hi-Tech Dictatorship Fake News and Mis-Disinformation Xi Jinping Aung San Suu Kyi Authoritarianism/Autocracy Gaza