Russia as the "Other" in the Symbolic Politics of France (2014-2018)

In this study, three models of constructing the discourse of the "other" in relation to Russia in 2014 – 2018 were identified. First, the Pro-Russian model. Russia is the partner with close cultural and historical relations with France. French politicians play the role of defenders of Russia from the attacks of other politicians. Those who wants to fight with Russia, for example, through economic sanctions, politicians threaten the possible resumption of the Cold war. A feature of the Pro-Russian discourse is a comparison of events that occurred in Russia with similar ones that were in the other country or in the different period of time. In the defense of Russia in the discourse of leaders accuse other countries, or other politicians, using different phraseology. The United States, they accuse of destabilizing the dialogue between Russia and France, through the approach of NATO bases to Russia. For politicians, Russia is a European country with which it is necessary to constantly improve relations that are currently in crisis. Secondly, it is a pragmatic model, its feature is that politicians speak very little about Russia, mainly at the meetings of international organizations. For them, Russia is only a strategic partner, mainly in the military and economic spheres. Russia is the same ally for France as other countries, including the United States. In conflict situations related to Russia, they are on favorable positions for them, as well as talk about the need for the development of Russian-French partnerships Third-the anti-Russian model of discourse, in which Russia is presented as a threat to Europe. Here politicians clearly use speech means of expression: phraseological units and rhetorical questions to create a more negative image of Russia. In their opinion, France should be independent from other countries, including Russia. This country, in their opinion, is not European.