Vision of the image of Russia by Europeans from 2000 to 2014

Abstract

In this study, an attempt is made to form a holistic view of the image of Russia in Europe on the example of the image of the country in the UK, France and Germany, which was formed in the period from 2000 to 2014, i.e. before the annexation of Crimea to Russia, since this event had negative consequences for the image of Russia in European countries and after it the image significantly deteriorated. The choice of the object and subject of research is dictated by the purpose of this work. The object is the image of the state as one of the most significant elements of "soft power", and the subject is the image of Russia in Europe from 2000 to 2014. The purpose of this study is to examine the image of Russia during this period in European countries (using the example of the image of Russia in the UK, France and Germany). The research methodology is based on the principles of scientific objectivity and consistency: materials are selected and considered in the context of the situation, and facts and events are analyzed comprehensively. An important role in the research was assigned to general scientific research methods – content analysis and comparative analysis. The interdisciplinary approach makes it possible to use the achievements of such sciences as political science, image studies, sociology, psychology and marketing in the work. The territorial boundaries of the study cover countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and France. The scientific novelty of the work consists in a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the perception of the image of the Russian Federation in Europe during this period. It can be stated that in the 2000s, in the context of the problem of perception of the image of Russia in the UK, France and Germany, ethnocentrism and altruistic democracy were significant concepts. It is also important to note that in the 2000s, not only negative, but also some positive characteristics of Russia's image were presented in European countries.