Attitude towards Russia and Russians in the Czech Republic: Reflections on the Legacy of the Past and the Role of the Present
https://doi.org/10.56654/ROPI-2022-5(5)-110-127
Abstract
The article is focused on the issue of Czech-Russian relations, which has become trending recently. Usually it is studied from the standpoint of politics, but this is not the only aspect of the topic. The material offered to the reader represents the issue from the Czech public point of view, as an evolving perception of Russia on the territory of the modern Czech republic. The issue is raised, whether it is possible to characterize this perception as a priori unfriendly. The article gives an excursion into the history of contacts between the two countries as of the interaction between broad sections of society. The changes in the perception of Russians by the Czechs are studied assessed. The current moment is described on the basis of the systematized personal observations made during the period of work on the territory of the Czech Republic. The article gives the general characteristics of the Russian community in the Czech Republic and studies its influence on the perception of the Russians by the Czechs. The main forms of this perception are described, along with the most noticeable characteristics of its carriers. Finally, the article measures prospective changes in attitudes towards Russia in the light of the events of 2022. It is concluded that it would be an extreme simplification to accuse the Czech society of Russophobia. The dynamics of perception of Russia looked rather encouraging in the long term, but the events of recent months cause him significant damage, both direct and indirect.
About the Author
K. A. Popov
The Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Kirill A. Popov – CandSc (Hist.), research fellow
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Popov K.A. Attitude towards Russia and Russians in the Czech Republic: Reflections on the Legacy of the Past and the Role of the Present. Russia: Society, Politics, History. 2022;(5(5)):110-127. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.56654/ROPI-2022-5(5)-110-127
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