Russia and China as Viewed by Russian and Chinese Youth
- Authors: Sorokina A.A.1, Maximenkova M.S.1
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Affiliations:
- National Research University Higher School of Economics
- Issue: Vol 22, No 1 (2020)
- Pages: 144-160
- Section: CURRENT PROBLEMS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2313-1438/article/view/322153
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.22363/2313-1438-2020-22-1-144-160
- ID: 322153
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Abstract
Russia-China relations are a major research focus in international relations, yet few studies have so far addressed the issue of how the two nations view each other. This study seeks to contribute to closing this gap by focusing on how college-age millennials perceive the counterpart country. We have selected students who have had experience studying abroad, namely Chinese students who have studied in Russia and Russian students who have studied in China. Our findings are based on the analysis of 150 in-depth qualitative narrative interviews conducted with Chinese and Russian students (75 in each group). The study demonstrates that ethnocentric stereotypes prevail and both groups engage in cultural ‘othering’. Meanwhile, students from both countries perceive Russian President Vladimir Putin as a central determining factor in shaping Russia-China relations.
About the authors
Anna A. Sorokina
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Author for correspondence.
Email: aasorokina@hse.ru
Leading Research Fellow of Laboratory for Political Studies, Associate Professor
20 Myasnitskaya Str., Moscow 101000 RussiaMarina S. Maximenkova
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Email: mmaksimenkova@hse.ru
Director of Centre for Political Studies and Assessments in Institute for Applied Political Studies, lecturer
20 Myasnitskaya Str., Moscow 101000 RussiaReferences
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