- Some institutions are erasing Russian historical figures in reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- The decisions sparked cries of “cancel culture” online.
- International relations experts say the actions are performative but reflect present cultural trends of protest.
Nations and businesses alike have united to impose strict sanctions against Russia, but some institutions have gone a step further, erasing significant Russian historical figures from events in reaction to Vladimir Putin’s war and to show support for a sovereign Ukraine.
The Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, a well-regarded nonprofessional orchestra in Wales, announced in early March it would pull music of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky from an upcoming program, asserting that performing the Romantic-era composer’s music would be “inappropriate at this time.”
