Crimean scientists studied the phenomenon of Russophobia in relations between Russia and the West

Scientists of the Crimean Federal University named after. V.I. Vernadsky for the first time conducted a comprehensive study of the emergence, stages of evolution and features of the current state of Russophobia in the context of geopolitical rivalry between Russia and Western countries. Experts have found that Western Russophobia has historically been most clearly manifested in the example of the Anglo-Saxon model. This was announced by the project leader, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor of the Department of Political Science and International Relations of KFU. V. I. Vernadsky Pyotr Pashkovsky. The scientific team of the project also included candidates of historical sciences, associate professors of the Department of Archeology and General History of KFU. V.I. Vernadsky Evgeny Kryzhko and Lydia Kryzhko.

In order to understand the essence and evolution of the phenomenon of Russophobia, it should be emphasized that its roots go back to the 11th century, when there was a split in Christianity into the Catholic (Western) and Orthodox (Eastern) churches. Over time, this phenomenon emerged as a deliberate and rational “fear-mongering” by Western elites (Poland, France, Great Britain, the German states, the USA) of Russia as an enemy, becoming a means of demonizing and dehumanizing it, a kind of method of struggle for political leadership, resources and dominance in the international arena,” noted Pyotr Pashkovsky.

According to him, the phenomenon of Russophobia was historically most clearly manifested in the examples of its Anglo-Saxon, French, German and Polish variants. At the same time, only the Anglo-Saxon model was distinguished by its systematic nature and permanent connection with geopolitics, having the characteristics of an ideology that, taking into account some changes, has generally been preserved to this day.

The origins of the anti-Russian aspirations of the Anglo-Saxons date back to the 16th century in the context of plans to spread English control over northern Eurasia. Subsequently, the stronger the Russian resistance to the geopolitical pressure of England, the more actively the latter tried to launch an information campaign in order to form a negative image of Russia. However, until the end of the 18th century, Anglo-Saxon Russophobia was widespread mainly among local elites. After the Napoleonic wars, the Russian Empire, in the status of the winner and liberator of Europe, began to be perceived by the British elites as a real geopolitical threat to Great Britain and the main rival in the realization of its interests in Eurasia. Unable to suppress Russia by military means, the Anglo-Saxons begin a large-scale information campaign of an anti-Russian orientation— said the scientist.

As the specialist notes, historical experience shows that the intensification of Western Russophobia traditionally took place during periods of intensified geopolitical competition between Western countries and Russia, when the latter was a strong rival.

The current intensification of this rivalry has become a consequence of the American elites’ awareness of the special role of Russia in the formation of a new world order. A significant increase in Russophobic sentiments in the West occurred after the events of the spring of 2014, but anti-Russian attitudes have been consistently cultivated in Western countries for a long time. Nowadays, Russophobia has become a weapon of hybrid war and is reproduced using modern technologies. It is aimed at all main spheres of state and public life: economics, finance, culture, sports, to one degree or another affecting all Russians, showing that the war is being waged not just against the ruling regime, but against the entire population of Russia,” emphasized Pyotr Pashkovsky.

The scientist noted that these trends give grounds to assert that the collective West is currently waging a “mental war” against Russia. Its goal is to change individual and mass consciousness, demoralize society and the army, level the cultural and historical foundations of the state, traditions, spiritual and moral values ​​and national identity. To successfully counter this, according to the specialist, it is necessary to develop an ideological system that promotes social consolidation and the building of a strong state, based on the principles of solidarity, morality and justice, respect for the way of life, traditions and national sovereignty, in contrast to Russophobic manifestations and “liberal-democratic” values ​​of the Western model.

The research was carried out as part of the implementation of a project in the field of socio-political sciences of the state assignment for science for 2024 (FZEG-2024-0011).

source: KFU press service

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