Transformation of Russia’s Image in the Views of Modern American Conservatives from 2012 to 2015

The US is one of the most influential states in the international arena, which is involved in international processes. It is important to note, that American conservatives take part in shaping the agenda.. On this basis, it is necessary to identify how the image of Russia has transformed in the views of contemporary American conservatives during the period from 2012 to 2015 under the influence of a number of events, such as the beginning of the events in Ukraine in 2013, the Olympic Games in Sochi, the conclusion of Russian-Chinese agreements 2014, the deployment of Russian troops in Syria in 2015. The theoretical approach of this paper is typology of conservatism of Rakhshmir. The methodology of this study includes a comparative analysis, as well as qualitative content - analysis in the interpretation of Mannheim. During the study we obtain the following results. From 2012 to 2013 Russia looked like a state in anabiosis in the views of traditionalists. In 2013 -beginning 2014 Russia looked like a state, which seeks to create a new political bloc, instead of the Soviet Union. During 2014 the image of Russia was a country – challenge. This image didn’t change in 2015. In the views of neoconservatives Russia was the main geopolitical rival of the USA during the period from 2012 to 2013. Russia's image is transformed into the image of aggressor between 2013 and beginning of 2014. This image didn’t change in 2014.In 2015 Russia's image is transformed into the state, which is the most dangerous threat in the international arena. From 2012 to 2013 Russia's image was a defender of traditional Orthodox values among radical conservatives. In 2013 andbeginning 2014 Russia's image is transformed into the state, which seeks to restore the historical role of the leader. In 2014 Russia's image is transformed into the imperialist state in the views of the radical conservatives. In 2015 Russia's image is transformed into significant state in the international arena.