New vectors of Russia's international image

Abstract

Improving the image of a state is a complex and lengthy process that requires consistency and the involvement of significant resources, as well as constant monitoring of the current situation. Therefore, the vector of promoting Russia's international image can be transformed depending on the current state of international relations. The Valdai International Discussion Club is one of the few platforms where not only the current issues in politics, economics, and public life are discussed, but also a development strategy for several years to come is formed. That is why it seems relevant to analyze the main messages and meanings that Russia will actively broadcast to external audiences in the near future. This study analyzes V.V. Putin's speeches at the Valdai International Discussion Club from 2013 to 2024. The object of the study is the new vectors of Russia's international image, and the subject is the directions of the vectors of Russia's international image. The hypothesis of the study is that the directions of the vectors of Russia's international image have changed significantly after significant historical events: the accession of Crimea to Russia and the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine. Research methodology: using the AntConc software (v. 4.2.4), the texts of V.V. Putin's speeches at the International Discussion Club were automatically processed according to the program algorithms. The scientific novelty lies in the study of the change in the vectors of promoting Russia's international image. It can be concluded that the vectors of promoting Russia's image aimed at an external audience have shifted and become more diverse. The foreign policy guidelines outlined at the Valdai International Discussion Club will be the basis for the work of government bodies responsible for forming and promoting Russia's image to an external audience.