Dorson (1975) states that the Japanese government has long used traditional folktales to promote national values and cultural pride. Stories like “Momotaro” (peach boy) are celebrated in festivals and educational programs. During the Meiji Restoration, the government emphasized these tales to foster a sense of unity and national identity as Japan modernized and opened up to the world.

During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union waged an ideological battle using extensive propaganda to win hearts and minds globally. The US promoted narratives of freedom, democracy and capitalism as the cornerstones of a prosperous and just society.

Through mediums like Voice of America broadcasts, Hollywood movies and cultural diplomacy, the US portrayed itself as the defender of liberty against totalitarian oppression, often framing the Soviet Union as a repressive regime.

Conversely, Soviet propaganda emphasized the virtues of communism, focusing on the struggles of the working class and the evils of capitalist exploitation. The USSR utilized state-controlled media, art and international outreach to present itself as the champion of anti-imperialism and social equality, often highlighting racial and economic inequalities in the West.

Both superpowers used these competing narratives to influence international opinion, align allies and gain influence in the developing world, turning propaganda into a crucial weapon in the broader conflict of the Cold War.

In an increasingly globalized world, narrative-based political campaigns have become crucial tools for shaping national identity, asserting territorial claims and rallying public support for government initiatives. Countries like China have skillfully employed historical narratives to bolster their geopolitical agendas and foster national unity.