Why Russia Revived a Cold War-Era Song Contest

The Intervision Song Contest, a revival of a Cold War-era competition, was held in Moscow on Saturday. The winner was a Vietnamese pop star, marking a departure from the contest's previous Soviet-era dominance. The United States had planned to participate, but political tensions ultimately prevented their involvement. The Intervision Song Contest was originally established in the 1970s as a counterpart to the Eurovision Song Contest, which was dominated by Western European countries. The revival of the competition is seen as a part of Russia's efforts to reassert its influence on the global stage, particularly in the face of ongoing political tensions with the West. The event's outcome, with a Vietnamese performer emerging victorious, highlights the changing dynamics in the post-Soviet era and the growing cultural influence of Asia on the international stage. The absence of the United States, a key player in global affairs, further underscores the political undercurrents that continue to shape the global landscape.