Russia`s place in the world: Europe or Eurasia?

Abstract

The article describes how Russians view Russia`s place in the world and particularly in Europe. The publication is based on polling data and considers the dynamics of the attitudes of Russians toward Europe since mid-1990-s. The image of Europe in Russian consciousness depends on value settings and archetypes rooted in Russian mentality as well as pragmatic estimations of the relations between Russia and the leading countries of Europe. Thus, the motivation of the European countries in questions related to the cooperation with Russia seems to be selfish for the majority of Russians (they think Europeans are interested in Russian nature resources only). The author reports the increasing interest of Russians in the East and analyses the consequent process of erosion of European identity. The author also puts attention to the level of participation of different groups of people in the fields of culture and information in Europe.