Keywords: Tunisia, Russian-Tunisian relations, ideological confrontation, formation of image stereotypes, propaganda press Modern imagological studies recognize the periodical press as the most important tool that influences public consciousness, especially when it comes to shaping the image of other countries. An adequate and objective image of the "other" has scientific, cognitive, ideological, political, cultural and practical significance for interstate relations. The magazine "Asia and Africa Today" (hereinafter - AiAS) (from 1957 to 1961 - "Modern East") was created during the active development of the anti-colonial movement on the African continent as an information, propaganda and ideological publication. This is a source that allows us to trace the evolution of ideas about the countries under study. Fulfilling the ideological task set by the party and state leadership of the USSR, the magazine was aimed at creating a positive image of those countries in Asia and Africa that developed along the same path as the countries of the socialist camp. The" progressive "countries that chose the path of a socialist orientation were significantly outnumbered by the" reactionary " countries that were oriented towards the West in terms of the degree of coverage in the magazine. This specific feature was a natural consequence of the East-West confrontation and the Soviet Union's desire to strengthen its geopolitical position in Asia and Africa. Using its vast technical and economic capabilities, the USSR tried to change the balance of power in the world in favor of the socialist choice of the "only right path" and pursued a policy of supporting national liberation movements that had anti-imperialist potential. page 56 THE" YOUNGER BROTHER " OF THE SOVIET UNION The proclamation of Tunisia as an independent state in 1956 was welcomed in the USSR, and bilateral contacts were established in all areas. While successfully developing in the economic, commercial, and cultural sph ... Read more