Russia’s Image in the World
Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypt, August 26
Despite the international sanctions imposed upon it, Russia has succeeded in its war of depriving the world of oil, gas, and wheat. However, it failed miserably in its attempt to salvage its global reputation. In its latest act of defiance, Russia released an online campaign aimed at trolling the West. The campaign consists of a short video inviting Europeans to immigrate to Russia, where there is cheap gas, cheap oil and cheap transportation, beautiful weather, rich history, and beautiful women. The video concludes by appealing to Europeans and telling them that vodka is ready, electricity is cheap, and winter is coming. Notably, the Russian video omitted several important elements. For example, it mentioned nothing about education in Russia, nor the ranking and classification of its universities, which face a continuous decline. Unlike America and Europe, which boasts the best universities in the world, Russian higher education is dismal. Similarly, the announcement made no reference to human rights or freedom of speech in Russia, which is light years behind the West when it comes to basic freedoms. Neither Russia nor China is fit to lead the world, even if life there is dirt cheap. People will still choose America and Europe, even if life in those places is difficult and expensive. Russia’s reputation will remain negative, no matter how many insulting campaigns it releases online. The image of countries like Russia and China won’t change overnight. America and Europe have many problems, but they both share one common truth: a president and a citizen are both equal before the law. Neither Russia nor China tried to change their image among the peoples of the world. Even if Russia offers incentives like vodka, cheap gas, and beautiful women, it will never attract visitors and immigrants like Europe and the United States do. – Mohammad Amin (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
