Russia?€™s Ministry of Culture has ordered a study into ?€?Russophobia and de-Russification,?€? the TASS news agency reported Thursday.
The study, which is set to cost 1.9 million rubles ($29,000), will look at ?€?the strengthening of russophobic discourse both abroad and within Russia as a reaction to the era of the revival of the Russian state.?€?
Researchers will look at Russophobia in a global context and domestic context ?€” including the possibility of a ?€?fifth column?€? in the country ?€” and the effects of Russophobia on ?€?national interests and national security,?€? TASS reported.
?€?If Russia continues along its current path, this will clearly lead to a strengthening of Russophobic content in media and information channels,?€? said the ministry in the commission's supporting documents.
The study is hoped to generate ?€?practical recommendations on combating internal and international Russophobia,?€? TASS reported.
Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson for Russia?€™s Foreign Ministry, claimed earlier this month that Russophobia had become big business for arms manufacturers in the west. ?€?Russophobia is becoming a business. It allows NATO to increase its budget,?€? Zakharova said.
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