Revisiting the formation of the modern image of Russia in the perception of its citizens

The article analyzes the main components of Russia’s image in the perception of its citizens on the basis of sociological surveys. The author considers the value system as an integral component and one of the most important factors in the formation of the state’s image, and reveals significant markers in the perception by Russian citizens of the “external” image of the country in the international arena. The influence of the revaluation of the image of the United States in Russian society on the role of America as a “significant Other” is traced. Based on a comparative analysis of the sociological surveys of the 1990s and 2000s, the author concludes that the image of Russia in the mass consciousness of its citizens has been transformed against the background of improvements in the internal development of the country, changes in the foreign policy of Russia and the strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.