Genesis and Features of Anglo-Saxon Russophobia: Geopolitical Dimension

Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the modern activation of the phenomenon of Russophobia in Western countries and the associated need to study its origin and specifics, as well as to develop Russian mechanisms to counter this phenomenon. The purpose of the study is to characterize the essence of the genesis and features of Anglo-Saxon Russophobia during its ideological formation in the context of the geopolitical rivalry between the states of the West and Russia. Materials and Methods. The research has been based on the study of the writings of British authors (military, diplomats and publicists) – contemporaries of the events under consideration, materials from the British media in the first half of the XIX century, reference and conceptual-terminological editions. The methodological basis of the research is the synthesis of systemic and geopolitical approaches within the paradigm of neorealism, which has led to the use of the institutional, historical-genetic and activity methods. Results. The reasons, the context of occurrence and the definition of the concept of “Russophobia” have been clarified. The features of different variants of Russophobia have been characterized. The genesis of Russophobia of the Anglo-Saxons has been examined. The relationship between Anglo-Saxon Russophobia and geopolitics has been revealed. The evolution of the traditional features and essential characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon version of Russophobia has been shown. Features of Russophobia of the Anglo-Saxons as an ideology have been identified. Discussion and Сonclusion. The conducted research testifies to the presence of features of the Anglo-Saxon Russophobia as an ideology in the form of permanently manifesting attitudes, the activation of which has been due to the intensification of geopolitical rivalry. The materials and conclusions of the study can be used by scientific centers and government departments of the Russian Federation in the process of forming and implementing state foreign policy and ensuring national security.