Vitaly Kazakov

I am an early career researcher with an interest in mega- and media events, sports, mass- and new forms of media, with a particular focus on Russia. My forthcoming PhD study investigates mechanisms of political narrative and national image-creation by the Russian government in the context of all stages of the hosting of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Specifically, my project examines (1) discursive and visual imagery employed by the Russian authorities and event organizers at various stages of preparing for and hosting the Games, and its interrelation with narratives within the political discourse in contemporary Russia, (2) the interpretation of this imagery in agenda-setting media outlets in their coverage of the Olympics for domestic and international audiences, and (3) the dynamics of public reception of narratives proposed by the organizers and a re-evaluation of this mega-event’s legacy after its conclusion on social media platforms.