Auf der Suche nach Europa: Der politische Diskurs in Russland

In: Osteuropa, Band 53, Heft 9-10, S. 1501-1514

Abstract

The discussion in Russia about the country's place in & relationship with Europe is a contradictory one. "Europe" & the "West" are the main points of reference. In political discourse, a belief that Russia belongs to "Europe" is frequently expressed, whereas "the West" has negative connotations. In addition, a distinction is drawn between a "true" & a "false" Europe; this "false" Europe is closely associated with NATO & the Baltic states. "Russia in Europe" depends primarily on the self-understanding of the society of the Russian Federation. Even though Russia's "identity crisis," which was a matter of foreign policy, has been overcome under Putin, Russia's perception of its relations with its neighbors is determined primarily by developments in domestic politics. Adapted from the source document.