We have always had a tendency to "swallow" what Western media tells us about Russia and its aggressive intentions, viewing the world through the lens of political and military bipolarity—a planet divided into two camps: the Western and the Eastern blocs. Rarely do we take the time to question how this Western bloc perceives its so-called "enemy." Yet, as we are not alone on this planet, it is worth shifting our gaze from East to West. The East has its own media landscape—so how does it perceive others, and how do its media operate?

Just as the Russian Bear is portrayed and marketed as belonging to another world, the West and its "mainstream media" are often perceived as aggressors, colonizers, and war-mongers, plundering global resources to sustain an energy-hungry, resource-greedy system at the lowest cost—if not for free.

Russian opinions on Western media are deeply shaped by the political climate, historical tensions, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The prevailing sentiment in Russia, particularly among government officials and state media, is one of skepticism and criticism, based on the belief that Western media often serves as a tool for political and ideological warfare against Russia. This dynamic is particularly evident in Russia’s portrayal of how the West covers issues such as the war in Ukraine, the alleged poisoning of dissidents, and domestic protests.

Independent Media vs. State-Controlled Media

Russian public opinion is far from monolithic. Contrary to expectations, Russians travel extensively and engage in significant business with foreign entities. They have access to independent and international media sources, which allows for more nuanced and diverse perspectives on Western media.

Perceptions of Western Media in the Context of Global Events

Russia is under sanctions, and the self-proclaimed global policeman—the United States—does not hesitate to enforce them. Russian media is frequently labeled as "state-controlled," which is, in some ways, accurate, as Russia is consistently portrayed as a permanent adversary, engaged in an ongoing state of war with the West. Since the war in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014, tensions between Russia and Western media have escalated further.

Russian "state-controlled" media often presents the conflict in a manner that contradicts Western narratives, portraying Russia as a defender against NATO expansion and Western interference. Conversely, Western media typically focuses on Russian aggression, war crimes, and violations of international law and democratic values—even as those same values are sometimes compromised by the West itself.

Russia has a long history of tensions with the West, dating back to the Cold War. The ideological divide between capitalism (led by the United States and its allies) and communism (led by the Soviet Union) fueled deep distrust of Western narratives. This historical backdrop continues to shape Russian perceptions of Western media today.

The Information War

In response to Western media influence, Russia has invested in outlets such as RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik, which offer a Russian perspective on global events. These media platforms are often framed as alternatives to what is perceived as Western propaganda.

The "Russophobia" Narrative

A central theme in Russia’s criticism of Western media is the notion of "Russophobia"—an irrational fear and hostility toward Russia. Russian officials frequently argue that Western media, particularly in Europe and North America, perpetuates negative stereotypes about Russians, undermines Russia’s global reputation, and fuels anti-Russian sentiment.

Western media often highlights the impact of international sanctions on the Russian economy, portraying them as a means of holding Russia accountable for its actions. The Russian government counters these narratives by depicting the sanctions as an unjust Western attempt to stifle Russia’s growth and independence. Furthermore, Russian discourse emphasizes what it perceives as the hypocrisy of Western media, accusing it of ignoring the flaws of Western governments while intensely scrutinizing Russian issues, such as authoritarianism, human rights violations, political repression, and the actions of President Vladimir Putin. This framing reinforces Russian skepticism regarding the fairness and objectivity of Western media.

Conclusion

From war to war and perception to perception, the East-West media landscape is rife with clichés on both sides, forcing the global public to search for the truth amid competing narratives. Billions are spent by both camps to polish their respective images, ensuring that media battles remain at the forefront of international discourse.

Caught between these conflicting perspectives, the public increasingly turns to social media, where people from both sides can share their realities directly—streamed live on their smartphones.