Public Assessments of the Image and the Status of Russia in the World

Abstract

The article based on the results of surveys conducted in different years analyses the image of Russia in public consciousness. The author distinguishes basic semantic components of this image, its dynamics against the background of changing attitudes towards leading subjects of the world politics. The author also investigates the relation between the image of Russia and mentality. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of the world crisis on mass consciousness especially social and psychological consequences of the so called ―five-day war‖ with Georgia that led to the independence of the North Ossetia.