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"Anglo-Saxons" (Russian:Англосаксы,romanized: Anglosaksy) is aderogatorypropagandistic term used by thegovernment of Russia under President Vladimir Putin and pro-Kremlin media inRussia to refer to theAnglosphere,[1] especially theUnited Kingdom and theUnited States.[2][3]
The termAnglo-Saxons historically refers toGermanic tribes whosettled inGreat Britain in the 5th century. In modern Russian political discourse, the so-called "Anglo-Saxons" stand in civilizational opposition to theEurasianRussian world and hold irreconcilable differences.[3] Russian political scientist in exileVladimir Pastukhov has described the "Anglo-Saxons" as occupying a "mythical" quality in the mind of Kremlin ideologues.[4] The United Kingdom and United States are especially referred to by the term because they are perceived as "particularly die-hard adversaries of Russia."[5] In pro-Kremlin media, the term is synonymously used with "Anglo-Zionists", "globalists", and "shadow rulers".[3]
Since theRussian invasion of Ukraine, the supposed struggle of Russia against "Anglo-Saxons" has especially become a central theme ofRussian propaganda.[4] Russian PresidentVladimir Putin'spress secretaryDmitry Peskov and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswomanMaria Zakharova are among the most prolific users of the term.[6]
"Anglo-Saxons" is similar to, though not synonymous with, the Russian propaganda phrase "the collective West". "Anglo-Saxons" also has implications that theWestern world opposed to the Putin regime is not completely united, and that the English-speaking countries are not connected much toEurope.[6]
Lynne M. Tracy, theAmerican ambassador to Russia, has publicly spoken against use of the phrase, calling it "very strange". She said that "it does not at all reflect the essence of the United States, which is amultinational country where people from all over the world live."[7]
