Anglo-Saxons (slur)

For the historical ethnic group, see Anglo-Saxons.

"Anglo-Saxons" (Russian: Англосаксы, romanized: Anglosaksy) is a derogatory term used by the Russian government and pro-Kremlin media in Russia to refer to English-speaking countries, especially the United States and the United Kingdom.

Meaning

The term, in addition to its derogatory connotations, has implications that the so-called "Anglo-Saxons" stand in civilizational opposition to the Eurasian Russian world and hold irreconcilable differences. Russian political scientist in exile Vladimir Pastukhov has described the "Anglo-Saxons" as occupying a "mythical" quality in the mind of Kremlin ideologues. The United States and United Kingdom are particularly targeted with the term because they are perceived as "particularly die-hard adversaries of Russia."

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supposed struggle of Russia against "Anglo-Saxons" has especially become a central theme of Russian propaganda. Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova are among the most prolific users of the term.

"Anglo-Saxons" is similar to, though not synonymous with, the Russian propaganda phrase "the collective West". "Anglo-Saxons" also has implications that the Western world opposed to the Putin regime is not completely united, and that the English-speaking countries are not connected much to Europe.

Reactions

Lynne M. Tracy, the American ambassador to Russia, has publicly spoken against use of the phrase, calling it "very strange". She said that "it does not at all reflect the essence of the United States, which is a multinational country where people from all over the world live."

See also

• Anglo
• Anglosphere
• Anti-American sentiment in Russia
• Gayrope
• Pindos (slur)
• Russia–United Kingdom relations
• White Anglo-Saxon Protestants