The Evaluation Of Russia’s Occopation Of Ukraine In Terms Of Country Reputation: A Comparative Analysis Of The USA And French Press

Abstract

Communication professionals agree that reputation is a haven in difficult times. The reputation of a country should be evaluated within the framework of the respect and value that is received from the people of other countries. All governments make efforts to increase their country’s reputation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has been condemned by all humanity as it attacked the sovereignty of a nation. This occupation also damaged Russia’s reputation as a country. The aim of this study is to examine how the Russian occupation of Ukraine is reflected by French and US newspapers in terms of country reputation. In the study, the editorials of the newspapers Le Monde and Le Figaro from France and New York Times and Washington Post from the US are analyzed. Document analysis method which is a qualitative method is applied, and content analysis is used as a data analysis technique in the study. The study is carried out between 15 February and 15 April 2022. As a result of this study, the subjects of war and Bucha massacre has taken the first place. As the reason of war, Russia’s idea of annexing Ukraine to its territory is dominant. All comments about Putin, Russia, and Russian army are mostly negative. According to results, it is clear that the country’s reputation is highly criticized within the framework of appealing environment, advanced economy, and effective government dimensions of country reputation.