Evolution of Azerbaijan’s Coverage in Russian Media (2000–2024)

Section: Modern Journalism: Subjects and Issues

The study analyzes the evolution of the coverage of Azerbaijani issues in Russian media from 2000 to 2024. Based on the analysis of 4,694 publications from leading Russian media using the Medialogia analytical platform, the author identifies key trends in media attention towards Azerbaijan. The results demonstrate a significant transformation in coverage approaches: a shift from predominantly economic topics to political issues, a rise in analytical genres, and a change in the tone of publications. The study reveals a correlation between coverage intensity and critical events in bilateral relations, confirmed by distinct peaks in publication activity during regional conflicts (2008, 2016, 2020, 2023). The obtained data reveal characteristic patterns of covering a post-Soviet country in Russian media, demonstrating the specifics of media representation of a state implementing a multivector foreign policy. However, extrapolating the identified patterns to other postSoviet states requires further comparative research, considering the specific bilateral relations of each country with Russia.

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To cite this article: Gasanov A. M. (2025) Evolyutsiya osveshcheniya Azerbaydzhana v rossiyskikh SMI (2000–2024) [Evolution of Azerbaijan’s Coverage in Russian Media (2000–2024)]. Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seriya 10. Zhurnalistika 6: 114–139. DOI: 10.55959/msu.vestnik.journ.6.2025.114139