THE IMAGE OF AFGHANISTAN AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF RUSSIA AND TAJIKISTAN

Summary. The image of the country is an important component of political communication on the external and internal contours of politics. The article presents the results of an empirical study that is devoted to the study of the image of modern Afghanistan and attitudes towards this country among Russians (445 people), as well as a comparison of the image of the new Afghanistan among the inhabitants of Russia and Tajikistan (the sample consisted of 2 groups, a total of 100 people). Semi-projective methods and a scale multifactorial questionnaire were used. An exploratory factorial analysis of data obtained using a questionnaire on attitudes towards the country of Afghanistan against the backdrop of changes in the political situation after the withdrawal of American troops and institutions from the country revealed three factors: wariness and distrust of the new government of Afghanistan, approval/disapproval of Russia's strategic policy towards Afghanistan, and a factor of political optimism/pessimism regarding the new Afghanistan. The results of the study of the emotional image showed that among the emotions and feelings experienced by the country of Afghanistan, Russians are dominated by sympathy, fear and pity. In the image of relations between countries, Afghanistan is reflected by the subjects as a source of danger. Russians view the new Afghan government with distrust. Residents of Tajikistan, compared with residents of Russia, are less afraid of the influx of refugees and are more convinced that Afghanistan needs to provide humanitarian assistance. In the emotional image of Afghanistan, sympathy and pity also predominate among the residents of Tajikistan, while significantly higher indicators of solidarity, admiration and respect are found compared to the Russians.