The reflections of the 2015-16 Türkiye-Russia political crisis in Russian media outlets

Abstract

This paper analyzes how Russian newspapers reported on the 2015-16 political crisis in Türkiye-Russia relations by examining two major incidents: the downing of a Russian Su-24 warplane by Turkish forces and the assassination of Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov in Ankara. Using media framing theory, this investigation examines the narratives and themes presented by four prominent Russian media outlets – Kommersant, Russia Today, TASS, and Sputnik – to assess their impact on public perception and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The research employs a qualitative approach, conducting a thematic analysis of the selected media institutions’ coverage from November 2015 to June 2016. The findings reveal that Russian media outlets employed specific framing techniques to portray Türkiye as an aggressor and a threat to regional stability. The media coverage emphasized themes of nationalism, patriotism, and security concerns, often presenting Russia as a victim of Türkiye’s hostile actions. The framing of the SU-24 shootdown and the Karlov assassination in the Russian media reflected broader geopolitical narratives that aligned with the Russian State’s interests. The study suggests that the media’s portrayal of the crisis played a significant role in shaping public opinion in Russia and influenced the Russian government’s subsequent diplomatic responses. The research contributes to the understanding of media framing in the context of international crises and highlights the complex relationship between media, public opinion, and foreign policy in Russia. While Türkiye is a central actor in the events, the focus is on how Russian media portrayed these crises, not the events themselves or Türkiye’s role.