Russophobia: A Historical Perspective

Russophobia has gained traction in media and literature, predominantly through the lens of Russians and their supporters, rather than from those justifiably cautious of Russian intentions.

The term itself has roots stretching back to the 1800s, as indicated by Google’s book ngram records. This is not surprising given that Russia’s imperial ambitions began shortly after its establishment in 1721. Unlike other European colonial powers, Russia's identity was largely constructed around its imperial pursuits, lacking a pre-existing cultural legacy.

In contrast, nations such as Britain and France possess historical narratives that predate colonialism, which helped them maintain a cohesive national identity even as their empires expanded. Russia, on the other hand, emerged as an empire without a well-defined identity, often resorting to military force to impose its narrative on diverse cultures within its borders.

The Identity Crisis of Russia

Russians have historically struggled to differentiate between their core identity and the vast territories they control. Many Russians perceive regions far from Moscow—such as Dagestan and Ukraine—not as colonies but integral parts of Russia. This misunderstanding complicates the relationship between the Russian state and its neighbors, who experience a very different reality.

The Russian expansionist narrative is reminiscent of American expansionism, yet there are critical distinctions. The genocide of native populations in America was largely unintentional due to disease, while Russia's conquests have often been marked by calculated aggression and violence.

Reckoning with Colonial Legacies

Many countries, including those in Europe and the Americas, have begun to confront their colonial pasts and the injustices associated with them. In contrast, Russia has largely failed to acknowledge its historical wrongs. The veneration of figures like Stalin—despite his brutal policies—illustrates a troubling tendency to overlook the darker aspects of Russian history.

Russophobia as a Logical Response

In the context of ongoing aggression and expansionism, Russophobia can be seen as a rational response. For generations, neighboring countries have learned to navigate the dangers of being adjacent to Russia, leading to a deep-rooted cultural awareness of Russian actions and intentions.

The rejection of Russian culture by these nations is not born from hatred but from a survival instinct, as Russia has consistently used language and culture as tools for domination.

Mission accomplished, Vlad! In this segment, we explore how Russia utilizes cultural elements to justify its incursions into neighboring territories.

The Risks of Russian Presence

When individuals of Russian descent face discrimination or restrictions abroad, it often stems from the actions of the Russian government, which has turned the presence of its citizens into a liability for other nations. Even those who oppose the Kremlin's policies can inadvertently become associated with the state's aggressive posture.

It's crucial to understand that this is not Russophobia; it is a rational assessment of risk. The geopolitical landscape necessitates caution, especially for countries bordering Russia.