THE BORDER OF RUSSIA WITH ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA IN FOUR SCALES (THE ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of social representations about Abkhazian and South Ossetian sections of the border of the Russian Federation through the analysis of relevant discourse that is formed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta. The study was based on a database of publications collected during the continuous content analysis of edition in three periods: 1994–1995, 2000–2003 and 2008–2012. The unclear legal status of the disputed segments of the border determines the multiplicity of approaches to their perception. Four basic images of border corresponding to four scale levels of discourse are identified: the border of Russia and Abkhazia/South Ossetia, the border of Russia and Georgia, the border of Russia and the West, the border of North and South Caucasus. Different levels of discourse can reflect different points of view on the conflict (Russian, Georgian, Abkhazian/South Ossetian), differ by the nature of spatial perception of border (line or stripe), etc. Each segment of the discourse has its own set of nodal motifs. Some of the motifs act as “vertical” (cross-cutting) in a modified form participating in the formation of discourse at each level (integration of Russia and South Ossetia – annexation of South Ossetia by Russia – struggle between Russia and the West for influence in the South Caucasus – preservation of the unity of the Caucasian region). This ensures the interconnection of images, the unity and structuring entire studied discourse.