Suchergebnisse

This thesis examines cultural statecraft in Russian foreign policy. In International Relations, the recently established concept of cultural statecraft is connected to exercising power and especially to the discussion on soft power. In this thesis, cultural statecraft is examined as part of Russian foreign policy. In addition, Russian cultural statecraft towards Kazakhstan is examined. The main objectives of the study are to introduce and analyze the concept of cultural statecraft, provide a framework for Russian cultural statecraft, and analyze Russian cultural statecraft towards Kazakhstan. Qualitative content analysis is chosen as the research method for this thesis. Discussion on soft power and economic statecraft provide the background for understanding cultural statecraft. Critique towards and challenges of the concept of soft power are discussed, after which cultural statecraft is presented as an alternative concept to study foreign policy of states. Cultural statecraft is understood as influence attempts conducted by states. Means of cultural statecraft include either positive or negative non-military and non-economic measures. In this thesis, cultural statecraft is analyzed in the context of Russian foreign policy. In order to outline Russian cultural statecraft, previous literature on the discussion on Russian soft power is investigated. In addition, Russian foreign policy documents are examined. Russian cultural statecraft is understood as influence attempts targeted mainly towards post-Soviet countries. Three means of Russian cultural statecraft are specified: the Russian language, media, and compatriots. After the general analysis of Russian cultural statecraft, the analysis focuses on Russian cultural statecraft towards Kazakhstan. Findings of the thesis suggest that examples of all means of Russian cultural statecraft, namely the Russian language, Russian mass media, and compatriots, are found in Kazakhstan. The Russian language is seen as an especially important part of Russian cultural statecraft in post-Soviet countries. The Russian media enhances Russian presence in Kazakhstan but if views provided by both Russian and Kazakhstani media are similar, significance of Russian media as means of influence is ambiguous. Although Russian compatriots themselves are not utilized as instruments of Russian cultural statecraft to maintain the Russian language and culture abroad, they still contribute to Russian foreign policy aims. In Kazakhstan, the means of Russian cultural statecraft contribute to the preservation of the Russian sphere of influence.