Understanding Russia's Soft Power Strategy

Abstract

This article examines the specifics of Moscow's soft power strategy. The sources of the Kremlin's interest in the soft power concept are explained. The article discusses how the soft power concept fits in the current Russian foreign policy philosophy. Russia's soft power resources, institutions and instruments are described. Special attention is given to the limitations and constraints of Moscow's soft power strategies. The reasons why these strategies are often being inefficient are explained. The Kremlin's inclination to the combination of the soft and hard power strategies is identified.Russia's soft power strategy is a relatively new theme in the academic literature and remains noticeably under-researched. Several categories addressing this topic can be identified. First, some studies, mainly of an historical character, have focused on the alleged continuity of Russia's present-day soft power strategies with Soviet-type propaganda or even Russia's pre-revolutionary foreign policies (Tsygankov, 2013a and2013b).

Building the Russian World: Cultural Diplomacy of the Russian Language and Cultural Identity

“…Specifically, through cultural diplomacy, the Russian government sought to consolidate its power among the Russian diaspora and its compatriots (Sergunin and Karabeshkin 2015). In addition, Russia sought to boost its soft power through the promotion of a positive image of itself, as well as through the promotion of the Russian language and culture abroad (MID 2013 In addition, the Russian language is seen as a softer tool of influence or as an instrument of Russia's soft power.…”

After the U.S. hegemonic retreat: Russia's Foreign and Security Policy in the Middle East

“…The 'soft eurasianist' approach keeps the dual nature of pragmatism and assertiveness present in the hard centrist approach by using a combination of soft power Russian-style and coercive means (Sergunin & Karabeshkin, 2015). As distinctive from the centrist approach, the 'soft eurasianist' looks not only to preserve regional influence, but to keep its role and status at extra-regional orders and, at the end, received recognition as a great power.…”

Apmaldījušies brīvībā: anomija mūsdienu Latvijā

“…Īstermiņa ietekmēšanas loma auditorijas uzskatu veidošanā par ārvalstīm ir dokumentēta dažādos kontekstos (Allen et al, 1994;Willnat et al, 2000;Brewer et al, 2003;Clemons et al, 2016). Krievijas pieaugošā aktivitāte šīs valsts maigās varas stiprināšanas jomā (Simons, 2015;Sergunin & Karabeshkin, 2015) ir sekmējusi akadēmisko interesi par Krievijas plašsaziņas līdzekļu ietekmīgumu. Kaut gan Krievija ir centusies piemērot savām vajadzībām aSV un citu attīstīto valstu maigās varas veidošanas stratēģijas, virkne empīrisko pētījumu par Baltijas valstīm un Ukrainu vedina domāt, ka Krievijas mediju ietekme ir vērtēta pārāk augstu (Hudson, 2015;Nielsen & Paabo, 2015).…”