The Image of Russia/the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe in the Twentieth Century

The article tries to trace the change in the image of the big eastern neighbor (Russia/Soviet Union) in the countries of Eastern Europe in the twentieth century. This image differs in the two sub-regions – the Balkans and Central Europe, because their historical tradition in relation to Russia is very different. In the Balkans, Russia is associated with the struggle against Ottoman rule, while in Central Europe it is a conquering power. Differences in attitude towards Russia/Soviet Union persisted throughout the 20th century, despite the fact that the Russian Empire was replaced by the communist Soviet Union. In particular, the complex political relations between the Czechoslovakia and Polish elites with the Soviet Union in the interwar period and in the years of the Second World War are traced. These relations played the greatest role in shaping the image of the Soviet Union among their peoples.