Country Report
Following the revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine and what was perceived as Western tactics aimed at destabilizing Russia, the concept of "soft power" has moved into the public debate. Since then, Russia has pursued a much more active external cultural policy (ECP), in which two tendencies have emerged. The promotion of the Russian language and high culture is intended to strengthen Russia's image abroad and maintain its influence in the post-Soviet countries. In contrast, a more aggressive information policy is aimed at undermining the West, discrediting its values and presenting Russia as a potential antithesis. Overall, Russia's foreign cultural policy is characterised by pragmatism and is aware of its geographical limitations. Moscow is working to consolidate its digital and media presence and become a ‚virtual power‘ without investing heavily.
