INTERNAL FACTORS OF PERCEPTION IN SYSTEM OF BILATERAL RELATIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF RUSSIA AND ITALY

Problems of perception, understanding, identity and process of formation of an image in international relations are more relevant than ever today. Many theorists and practitioners have questioned why some states are "friends", they build partnerships, and others do not, what factors influence this process, and only if based on realism as the most influential paradigm of international relations theory we can explain the ongoing processes in international relations and its results. International relations is a system of systems, in which a plurality of elements interact with each other. States in this system often act irrationally, that contradicts a realistic paradigm. Besides, the states are entangled by a network of systems of bi- and multilateral relations which born systemic factors influencing the processes of perception, understanding, identity formation. The system of international relations born axis of "self-other". Rotating round them, the states are gradually involved in process of self-identification and definition of a circle of "friends" and "enemies". Except system factors these processes are influenced also by the internal factors which are inherent in each state. There isn't enough of realistic paradigm to understand these processes and their results. In this situation constructivism, which opens social character of the international relations and their psychological contents, comes to the rescue. The purpose of this article is to examine of those internal factors, which have impact on mutual perception of Russia and Italy and on the Russian-Italian relations in general.