The dispositional enemy image of Russia in the coverage of the Kerch Strait Incident (2018) by the Polish media

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze how the Polish media constructed a dispositional enemy image of Russia during the Kerch Strait Incident. Eighty-seven materials from four daily newspapers and two TV news programs were analyzed using the content analysis method with elements of framing analysis and comparative analysis. The results show that the anti-Russian perspective of the coverage was the result of negative stereotypes and prejudices, and Polish journalists demonized Russia’s actions by referring to historical events and the negative consequences of the Russo–Ukrainian dispute for Poland, such as the military threat from Russia.