This thesis will look at the issue of feminism in Russia. It will answer the question of how the works of Russian artists, such as Victoria Lomasko, contribute to Russian feminism, particularly in...Show moreThis thesis will look at the issue of feminism in Russia. It will answer the question of how the works of Russian artists, such as Victoria Lomasko, contribute to Russian feminism, particularly in a modern global context. This will be done in order to give a broader perspective of feminist theory, which so far is focused largely on western research and experiences. This creates an interesting point of study, as it can be seen as important for the development of feminist theory, but also to gain a wider understanding of Russian society. The thesis will seek to enlarge knowledge of both these objectives and as such by researching the Russian case it will try to gain insights on a more global applicability of the currently existing feminist theory. The case of Victoria Lomasko was chosen because her artwork shows the opinions of an individual but at the same time, because she portrays others, it also gives an indication of happenings in wider society. In order to answer the research question, a selection of Lomasko’s work will be analysed in order to gain a better understanding of the current atmosphere around feminism and gender issues in Russia. Alongside this, other material such as interviews will be used for the sake of gaining more insights than would be possible when looking just at her art. The issues on the basis of which these sources will be examined will be that of intersectionality and the exposure that feminism as a movement and idea receives. Through these two lenses, the thesis will show some of the similarities and differences between existing feminist theories and the Russian experience.Show less
The Syrian civil war has evolved from local to a conflict with global repercussions. Russia’s decision to intervene militarily has arguably been of great influence on the Syrian conflict. The main...Show moreThe Syrian civil war has evolved from local to a conflict with global repercussions. Russia’s decision to intervene militarily has arguably been of great influence on the Syrian conflict. The main focus of this thesis is to assess the effectiveness of Russia’s foreign policy regarding Syria, specifically the ongoing Syrian conflict. This is measured by analysing the translation of foreign policy goals into implementation and by determining whether the goals have been met. The groundwork in terms of literature consists of scholarly work on the making and implementation of foreign policy both in general and in relation to Russia. The main chapters are devoted to the goals, implementation and achievements of Russia’s foreign policy with respect to Syria. First, light is shed on the goals of Russia’s foreign policy regarding Syria and their mode of implementation. Then it is determined if and to what extent the foreign policy goals have been met. This then allows for analysis of the factors that have either fostered or constrained the implementation of Russia’s foreign policy goals. Finally, a cautious effort is made to discern future prospects regarding Russia’s foreign policy in Syria.Show less
With tensions between Russia and the West rising to Cold War-like proportions in recent years, it is important to keep a clear head as much as possible when the West engages with Russia....Show moreWith tensions between Russia and the West rising to Cold War-like proportions in recent years, it is important to keep a clear head as much as possible when the West engages with Russia. Perceptions of the Other can play a role in the way we engage with them, and those perceptions can be partially shaped by the images of the Other constructed by the media. This thesis discusses how one particular medium, video games, contributes to the perception and misperception of Russia by asking, what image of Russia and Russians do American-made video games construct, and how is it constructed? It examines and analyses two case studies, two popular video game trilogies, and concludes that the games’ gameplay, game-world and game-structure construct a Russia that is imperialist, immoral and cruel, hardly different from the Soviet Union that came before. Russians are frequently stereotyped as mindless patriots, unified in their love for “Mother Russia” and in their hatred for the West, especially America. Such depictions can be a contributing factor in the shaping of public and decision-makers’ perceptions of Russia as a threat to the West.Show less
