Authors

Ksenia Hain¹;  ¹ Palacký University, Czechia

Discussion

In the Czech discourse, the term "Russian" has evolved beyond a simple national designation to signify a complex set of meanings, often reinforcing societal divides. In a post-Soviet society navigating its place between Eastern influences and Western democratic ideals, “Russian” has become a label that provokes both ideological contradictions and social disruptions. This paper examines how the use of "Russian" as a label in Czech public and political discourse has contributed to a fragmented social situation in which the public is increasingly polarized by two opposing perspectives.
On one side of the spectrum, liberal voices that advocate Western democratic values often portray the "Russian" language as representative of authoritarianism or backwardness. However, their rhetoric often escalates to the point where anything associated with Russia is labelled as undesirable or even threatening. While such language is meant to emphasize the importance of democratic ideals, it inadvertently deepens partitian, links "Russian" with social ills, and undermines more nuanced discussions. On the other hand, some populist groups and personalities gain strength by challenging this narrative and portraying the West as an overbearing force that intervenes in national sovereignty. They argue that the West is imposing its own ideologies on the Czech Republic in a manner reminiscent of past oppression, thereby reinforcing scepticism towards Western accommodation. In their narrative, the "Russian" serves as a symbol of resistance to what they perceive as Western authoritarianism and feeds a populist vision that runs counter to liberal democratic values.
This study will explore the dualistic role of the "Russian" (and its other  variations) in Czech social discourse, particularly in media representations, political statements, and public opinion. Through an analysis of media images, political rhetoric and social sentiment in the Czech Republic, this paper aims to reveal how polarizing language can reinforce stereotypes, influence political identity and social direction. Ultimately, this research seeks to demonstrate the need for responsible language that respects cultural and political complexities without reinforcing preconceived narratives, thereby fostering a more inclusive and truly democratic global dialogue.