Since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine on February 24 of the current year, the world has changed. One difference we’ve all noticed is that gas prices have increased. However, that is not the only industry that has suffered the impact of this war. When it comes to publishing, we are already seeing the repercussions of this conflict.
As Publishers Weekly reported on February 25, several publishing organizations have already taken a stand against Russia’s actions. Some of this criticism comes from the Federation of European Publishers, the European Writer Council, the Italian Publishers Association, and PEN International, among others.
However, while these organizations are taking a clear stand against the war, others such as the International Publishers Association have no position in this matter. But, as part of this industry we need to consider, is this the time to stay neutral? To keep silent while there are people in bunkers trying to hide from bombs and sleeping under the sound of machine guns?
The Program Director of the Bologna’s Children Book Fair, Elena Pasoli, as reported by Publishers Weekly, will not change its plan to include Russia in this event. Pasoli explained that it wouldn’t be fair to punish the publishers for what is happening and that both Russia and Ukraine are friends.
Even though I respect that position, we need to go back in time, and look at how the publishing industry has indeed influenced the conflict that we are witnessing today. As a reader, one of the things I’ve learned is that words are powerful. Words, the right ones can change hearts, can turn minds. They can create and destroy. Russia has known this for a long time. That’s why from the moment of Ukraine’s independence back in 1991, the country has used books as a weapon.
From that date, Russia has tried to stop the growth of the publishing industry in Ukraine. Unfortunately, that is not the only thing that happened. Ukraine had to go as far as banning Russian books for nine months in 2017. Then, this restriction had to be altered and applied to books that promoted Russia’s ideology and the destruction of Ukraine’s independence.
Looking back and considering Russia’s actions, we can clearly see how the country has used books to spread its influence and ideas in Ukraine. Then, shouldn’t we take action? The truth is that this is a tricky situation because while some Russian publishing houses promote ‘anti-Ukraine’ content, others are only focused on contributing to the industry we all love.
I know that a question most readers might have, is what should we do know? Well, the answer is simple. We can show our support to the Ukraine publishing industry. Publishers Weekly explains that the best way to do this is by paying attention to how the foreign rights for books are sold, making sure that Ukraine publishers are protected.
Helping the Ukraine industry to grow, would help it fight against Russian propaganda and defend its independence. The publishing industry plays a great role in this conflict, and we should acknowledge it sooner rather than later.