Russophilia is the admiration and fondness of Russia (including the era of the Soviet Union and/or the Russian Empire), Russian history, and Russian culture. The antonym is Russophobia.[1][2] In the 19th century, Russophilia was often linked to variants of pan-Slavism, since the Russian Empire and autonomous Serbia were the only two Slavic sovereign states during and after the Springtime of Nations.
In politics the term has been used to describe politicians and political parties that support their nations having stronger or closer relations to Russia and/or support a number of Russia's domestic and foreign policies. Some Russophilic politicians may also support russification of their country (especially in former Soviet states or Soviet satellite states) such as Alexander Lukashenko.[3][4][5]
- ^ "Russophobia". The American Heritage Dictionary. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
- ^ "Russophobia". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Russophile Populism - ECPS". Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ "Russification in the cultural sphere of Belarus 2022-2023". PEN Belarus. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Elder, Miriam (4 July 2012). "Ukrainians protest against Russian language law". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 25 July 2024.