“Unipolarity” and “multipolarity” (polycentricity) of the world: narratives of V. Putin's public manipulations (2012–2021)

Abstract

The article highlights the chronology of the use and dynamics of the semantic loads of the narratives "unipolarity" and "multipolarity" (polycentricity) in the rhetoric and speeches of V. Putin from the time of his return to the post of President of the Russian Federation in 2012 until the end of 2021. The combination of the definitions "bipolarity", "unipolarity" and "multipolarity / polycentricity" of the world in the ideologeme of the new global security architecture, which was used by V. Putin to promote the geostrategic goals of the Russian Federation and the beginning of its confrontation with the so-called collective West, is highlighted. The meanings and goals of V. Putin's foreign policy rhetoric are traced and analyzed. Putin on the architecture of world security in the context of the geopolitical tactics of the Russian Federation regarding the implementation of its strategy of changing the levers of influence in the world and expansion in the international arena. V. Putin's attempts to purposefully discredit the place and role of the democratic world in the security system of the planet in the context of the reproduction of the neo-empire in the post-Soviet space and attempts to establish a new configuration of the world order have been identified and established. It is noted that at that time the Kremlin embarked on the path of open confrontation and ultimatums to the USA and the West, and also ideologically prepared the domestic public for a full-scale war with Ukraine. Deliberate manipulative and disinformational means have been proven in the speeches of the Russian President in an attempt to discredit NATO member states, in particular the USA, in his strategy of forming an anti-Western front with the aim of transforming the existing system of influences and balances on the world stage.