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Историческая память в контексте внешней политики США: случай президентства Дж. Байдена
Modern day politicians often refer to historical memory in order to construct and/or adjust foreign
policy. The analysis of historical memory as one of the tools for constructing foreign policy narratives
is attracting increasing scientifi c interest in the study of international relations. Under conditions
of deep socio-political split in the USA and fragmentation of American identity, representatives of
the Democratic administration actively turn to historical memory, trying to explain the changing
international realities and justify the implemented foreign policy course. The article attempts
to identify the key historical narratives of the Biden Administration and analyze how their use
infl uences the foreign policy of the U.S. at the present stage. To achieve this goal, the authors used
the method of narrative interpretation to conduct a qualitative analysis of a broad source base
(speeches, interviews, press conferences of key representatives of the U.S. executive branch). As a
result, a number of foreign policy narratives with the most characteristic historical subjects for the
current administration were identifi ed. It has been established that U.S. leaders address historical
memory as part of discourses on the promotion of liberal democracy in the world; the limits of
“hard power” and the fi ght against international terrorism; human rights and freedoms; relations
with Russia; and the defense of a liberal world order. It is determined that historical narratives
are often used by the United States to legitimize its unilateral and discriminatory foreign policy
actions. The authors conclude that for the current administration the construction of foreign policy
narratives through selective reference to the subjects of American historical memory becomes one
of the key tools of adaptation to the development of international multipolarity, mobilization of its
resources and consolidation of allies to defend the “free world” from “illiberal” opponents.