Images of “Friend or Foe” in Foreign During the Russian–Japanese War of 1904–1905

The reflection of the Russian–Japanese War (1904–1905) in foreign caricature through the prism of the images “friend or foe” was studied. It was analyzed how visual propaganda in the British, American, German and French press shaped images of Russia and Japan and expressed the attitudes of third countries towards the participants in this conflict. Despite the despite existing researches question of the specifics of constructing images of “friend or foe” in caricatures of this period was noted to remain insufficiently studied. It was shown how foreign policy interests influenced propaganda strategies: the British and American press supported Japan, portraying Russia as a weak, backward, barbaric enemy; the French press, depending on the political situation, could either support Russia or criticize it, creating contradictory images; Germany, while formally maintaining neutrality, also leaned towards anti-rhetoric. Particular attention was paid to visual stereotypes: Russia is depicted as a bear, a two-headed eagle, a Cossack, and Japan as the sun, a bee, a sumo wrestler, etc. A common theme was the mockery of Russia's military failures and the emphasis on its unpreparedness for war. Another key narrative was the contrast between “civilized” Japan and “barbaric” Russia, although by the end of the war, caricatures also reflected concerns about Japan's growing strength. A conclusion about the images dynamics was made: if at the beginning of the war Japan was more often associated with “friend”, by the end of the war both sides of the conflict began to be perceived as potential threats. The analysis of cartoon images in terms of “friend or foe” allows for a better understanding of the international situation during this period.

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