Intervision: Russia's Response to Eurovision
View of the performance stage at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022. Photo Provided by Michael Doherty on Wikimedia.
On Feb. 3, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree reviving Intervision, a Cold War-era song contest designed to rival Eurovision.
The contest, which ended in the early 1990s, returns as a strategic cultural and political move by Russia, just three years after its Eurovision ban following the invasion of Ukraine.
By reviving Intervision, Russia seeks to establish a state-backed alternative to Eurovision, promoting a distinct ideological and cultural vision.
The Intervision contest is a “chance to promote real music” and “not fake values that are alien to any normal person,” said Russian politician Liliya Gumerova.
Intervision was originally established in 1977 as a way for Eastern Bloc nations and other Soviet-aligned countries to engage in a musical competition broadcasted on television. The contest was a response to Eurovision, which had been dominated by Western European countries.
Unlike Eurovision, which embraced inclusivity and diverse themes, Intervision was designed to reinforce Eastern Bloc values: unity, solidarity and socialist strength. The contest’s music and performances often carried political undertones, aligning with the Soviet Union's ideals, although Intervision also offered an outlet for artists to showcase their talents in front of a broad Eastern European audience.
“Artists may not perform songs that call for violence, humiliate the honour and dignity of society, and it is required that political themes in the lyrics are completely excluded,” said one of the Russian planning documents according to Reuters.
However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the contest gradually became forgotten. Its return in 2025 represents not only a revival of a long-lost cultural event but also an attempt by Russia to reassert itself on the world stage.
The re-emergence of Intervision cannot be viewed purely as a form of entertainment. It is deeply rooted in Russia’s political agenda, especially after being banned from Eurovision in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. For Russia, Intervision offers a platform to highlight what the government deems essential values, such as family, spirituality and nationalism.
In stark contrast to Eurovision, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity, Intervision will enforce strict guidelines that prohibit themes of violence, politics or any references of LGBTQ+ representation. This ideological contrast represents a broader divide between Russia’s vision of traditional values versus the progressive ideals that the West has upheld.
By establishing this competition as an alternative to Eurovision, Russia signals its intent to create a cultural space that is separate from the West. The contest will likely attract countries that share similar political or social ideologies.
While Russia has long been at odds with Western democracies over geopolitical issues, the revival of this song contest introduces a more subtle form of power: culture. In the past, Eurovision has been a platform for celebrating LGBTQ+ representation and promoting inclusive values.
“Eurovision isn't an LGBTQ+ event but it's affectionately referred to as 'Gay Christmas,’” said Monty Moncrieff, chief executive of London Friend, for the BBC. “And I think that says a lot about how it's viewed by our community. It's a great opportunity to hold safe and inclusive events.”
Intervision, in its revival, pushes back against these norms and aims to create a narrative that goes against what Eurovision has become widely recognized for.
For some Eastern European and Central Asian nations, Intervision’s appeal may stem from its rejection of Western liberal values. Countries that feel detached from the increasing dominance of Western values may find Intervision an attractive alternative, offering an opportunity to assert their own identity and traditions.
However, this could also be a step toward further isolating these countries from the Western cultural landscape, creating a reality where the East and West will grow further apart.
While it’s impossible to predict with certainty, Intervision’s success will likely depend on the quality and diversity of its participants, as well as its ability to resonate with audiences, both in Russia and abroad. The ban on any political or controversial themes could bring creativity to a halt in comparison to the vibrant celebration of artistic expression and LGBTQ+ solidarity that Eurovision has notably become recognized for.
If the contest fails to allow for diverse musical genres and performances, it could fall flat, unable to capture the global imagination in the same way Eurovision has over the decades.
“It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but it is uniting in a way that few other things are,” said Amy Williamson from Britain’s University of Southampton.
It is possible that Intervision will become a polished, well-funded event that attracts interest from countries eager to demonstrate their cultural alignment with Russia. While the political ramifications are clear, the musical aspect may still appeal to audiences who seek something different from Eurovision’s musical celebration.
The revival of Intervision is not just a musical event, it is a strategic move in Russia’s broader effort to counterbalance Western cultural dominance. As the world becomes more polarized, Intervision offers a platform for Russia and its allies to assert their cultural identity and ideals, in direct competition with Eurovision.
Whether Intervision will resonate with audiences remains uncertain; however, its political implications are undeniable. It is a vivid reminder that in today’s globalized world, culture and politics are linked—and song contests like Intervision may very well become significant in the larger conversation.