Russian Strategy of Applying Soft Power in Central Asia

Abstract

Every year, the concept of soft power occupies an increasingly significant position in the system of foreign policy coordinates. Central Asia is an extremely important region for Russia - in fact, it is the only part of the post-Soviet space where active processes of reintegration of the former Soviet republics with Russia take place. That is why it is very important for Russia to use all levers of influence in the region, including soft power. This thesis aims at studying the goals, means and channels of Russian soft power in Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union (1991-2019). The study revealed that Russia mostly applies its soft power through media and education. The Russian media network broadcast and publish products in Russian language and are largely trusted by the population of Central Asian countries. Russian educational programs and universities provide a solid foundation for successful implementation of soft power. At the same time Russian soft power is almost entirely based on resources of the past, and not on achievements of the present: the spread of Russian language in the region, respect for Russian culture, the habit of population to choose Russia as main migration direction and educational strategies - all these factors create potential for Russian soft power, but since they come from the Soviet era, this means that they have an inertial, residual character. Despite the fact that the Russian Federation is trying to strengthen its activities in the field of soft power in Central Asia, the strategy still lacks an integrated approach, systematic work and a long-term strategy. Therefore, the achivements of the Russian “soft power” remain unclear and questionable.