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Sputnik, National Pride and, Heroism : A qualitative study of the Russian Space Program under Putin

The thesis aims to give a deeper understanding of the Russian use of soft power by examining identity building. This research is one of very few that shed light on Russia’s ambitions of exploitation of space. Further knowledge in the field is necessary to understand the underlying motives and objectives behind the Russian space program. This in-depth analysis fills a noteworthy knowledge gap. Using the method of narrative analysis as defined by Roselle, Miskimmon, and O’Laughlin (2014,2017), combined with the theory of strategic narratives and state identity as defined by Eriksson et al (2020), the thesis investigates Russian identity building, examining Russian space program under Putin. In particular, Putin’s 2013, 2016 and 2020 Cosmonautics Day video link-ups with the International Space Station are analyzed. This thesis attempts to define Russia’s future space plan and its geopolitical importance in maintaining the nation’s role on the international arena post-soviet. The results indicate that Eriksson et al's definition of cultural narratives about state identity can be found in future Russian space plans.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-452909
Date January 2021
CreatorsWidén, Jeanette
PublisherUppsala universitet, Medier och kommunikation
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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