Political Discourse and Media Framing: Competing Narratives on Russian Emigration in Times of Crisis (2014-2024)

Emigration from authoritarian regimes represents a political crisis that threatens the legitimacy of the regime. After 2022, Russia witnessed unprecedented mass emigration caused by military invasion and conscription. This thesis examines how state and independent Russian media covered this phenomenon, using theories of framing, securitisation and politicisation. The thesis conducts a content analysis of state media, official statements by government officials and independent media for the period 2014-2024. The analysis shows that state and independent media outlets adhered to different framing strategies. While state media increasingly securitised the discourse on emigration, independent media adhered to human rights frames, creating alternative information spaces. Russian state media functioned as a mechanism to frame emigration as a security crisis and legitimise emergency measures. The study contributes to understanding authoritarian control over information and the role of independent media in ensuring accountability.