"Anglo-Saxons" () is a

derogatory A pejorative word, phrase, slur, or derogatory term is a word or grammatical form expressing a negative or disrespectful connotation, a low opinion, or a lack of respect toward someone or something. It is also used to express criticism, hostility ...

propagandistic term used by the government of Russia under President Vladimir Putin and pro-

Kremlin The Moscow Kremlin (also the Kremlin) is a fortified complex in Moscow, Russia. Located in the centre of the country's capital city, the Moscow Kremlin (fortification), Kremlin comprises five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Mosco ...

media in Russia to refer to the

Anglosphere The Anglosphere, also known as the Anglo-American world, is a Western-led sphere of influence among the Anglophone countries. The core group of this sphere of influence comprises five developed countries that maintain close social, cultura ...

, especially the United Kingdom and the United States.

Meaning

The term, in addition to its derogatory connotations, has implications that the so-called "Anglo-Saxons" stand in civilizational opposition to the

Eurasian Eurasia ( , ) is a continental area on Earth, comprising all of Europe and Asia. According to some geographers, physiographically, Eurasia is a single supercontinent. The concept of Europe and Asia as distinct continents dates back to antiq ...

Russian world The "Russian world" () is a concept and a political doctrine usually defined as the sphere of military, political and cultural influence of Russia. It is a vague term, mostly used to refer to communities with a historical, cultural, or spirit ...

and hold irreconcilable differences. Russian political scientist in exile Vladimir Pastukhov has described the "Anglo-Saxons" as occupying a "mythical" quality in the mind of Kremlin ideologues. The

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

and

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

are especially referred to by the term because they are perceived as "particularly die-hard adversaries of Russia." Since the

Russian invasion of Ukraine On 24 February 2022, , starting the largest and deadliest war in Europe since World War II, in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, conflict between the two countries which began in 2014. The fighting has caused hundreds of thou ...

, the supposed struggle of Russia against "Anglo-Saxons" has especially become a central theme of Russian propaganda. Russian President

Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as Prime Minister of Ru ...

's press secretary

Dmitry Peskov Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov (, ; born 17 October 1967) is a Russian diplomat serving as the Kremlin Press Secretary, spokesman for President of Russia, Russian president Vladimir Putin since 2012.Maria Zakharova Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova (, ; born 24 December 1975) is a Russian politician who serves as the director of the information and press department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federa ...

are among the most prolific users of the term. "Anglo-Saxons" is similar to, though not synonymous with, the Russian propaganda phrase "the collective West". "Anglo-Saxons" also has implications that the Western world opposed to the Putin regime is not completely united, and that the English-speaking countries are not connected much to Europe.

Reactions

Lynne M. Tracy, the American ambassador to Russia, has publicly spoken against use of the phrase, calling it "very strange". She said that "it does not at all reflect the essence of the United States, which is a multinational country where people from all over the world live."

References

{{Russian invasion of Ukraine, Impact Angles (tribe) Anglosphere Anti-American sentiment in Russia Anti-Australian sentiment Anti-British sentiment Anti-Canadian sentiment Anti-Irish sentiment Anti-Western sentiment Australia–Russia relations Canada–Russia relations Criticism of democracy Geopolitical terminology International relations terminology Ireland–Russia relations New Great Game New Zealand–Russia relations Pejorative demonyms Political pejoratives for people Propaganda in Russia Putinism Russia–United Kingdom relations Russia–United States hostile relations Saxons

Meaning

Reactions

See also

References