The Strategical Use of Othering in Western Media : How is the Russian advancement in Africa depicted in Western media?

Abstract: In this paper I present a discourse analysis on the narrative and depiction of the Russia developmental, diplomatic, and military cooperation advancements in the African continent in Western media, and its consequences on the general public. Through the analysis of 31 articles from 8 different newspapers from Italy, Sweden, the UK, and the US, and through the theoretical lens of theories of Western media and the phenomenon of othering and orientalism, I reach the conclusion that Western narrative regarding Russia’s advancements in Africa changes based on whether Russia is perceived as succeeding or failing, with a constant undertext that the West is not happy about eventual deepening relations between Russia and the continent. This narrative is reinforced by the use of othering, however othering is used in a strategical way, based on what the author wants to convey.