Transformation of Mutual Perception of Russians and Norwegians in the Context of Soviet-Norwegian Relations in Late 1980s: Based on Materials of Newspapers “Pravda” and “Aftenposten”

The author analyzes a number of factors that influenced the change in the perception between the countries, including the political reforms in the USSR, such as “perestroika,” as well as the influence of the international situation on bilateral relations. Based on the study of materials from the Soviet newspaper “Pravda” and the Norwegian newspaper “Aftonbladet,” an investigation revealed signs of a change in mutual stereotypes, as well as the transformation of rhetoric in official statements and media. The author in their article examines the beginning of the process of forming mutual trust and respect between the two countries, despite historical contradictions in the late 1980s. The period is considered a key one for the formation of new approaches to bilateral relations, which became possible against the background of the political changes in the USSR and developing economic processes. The study contributes to the understanding of not only Soviet - Norwegian relations, but also broader processes of integration and interaction between different peoples in the context of political transformation.