Russia's soft power deficit

Vestnik Kavkaza                                  

The Russian language remains one of the most effective tools for the integration of countries in post-Soviet space and the implementation of the strategy of "soft power" in Russian foreign policy. This was the conclusion reached at a Moscow - Tbilisi - Kiev video conference titled "Georgia – CIS: convergence through dialogue." The emphasis of the discussion was the application in foreign policy of the principle of political influence on other countries through the popularization of their own culture. Experts noted the lack of such an effect in Russia, which contrasts with the successful use of it by Washington.

Comparing today's events in Ukraine and what was happening in Georgia in 2008, an expert on the South Caucasus, Andrey Areshev, said that the situation in Ukraine would unfold even tougher. "For 20 years, the former Soviet Union implemented a specific scenario between Russia and its neighbors, all without exception - for some in a more radical way, for some in a less radical. And, of course, we can and should talk about the lack of soft power in Russia and some unformed policy towards its nearest neighbors," said Areshev.

“Perceptions of each other, due to the global flow of information, do not always reflect reality.”

"Of course Russia will do everything possible to maintain good relations with its neighbors - Georgia, Ukraine. We need to understand that both Georgia and Ukraine at the level of their governments and political elites have decided to integrate with the West, the EU, the United States and it is not accidental. There are discussions about granting Tbilisi and Kiev special status which does not imply direct NATO membership, but nevertheless imply a "privileged partnership" status. In my opinion, it would be naive to expect that this would not adversely affect the dialogue, particularly between Russia and Georgia. In regard to Ukraine, I have serious doubts that such a dialogue with the current leadership in Kiev is possible at all. At least as long as the armed conflict continues and people are dying."

The expert called to use all the non-humanitarian, non-political cooperation to optimize contacts with all post-Soviet states: "We need to know each other, to understand what is happening in each other’s societies. Ongoing dialogue also shows that there are many emotions and there may be perceptions of each other that are influenced by the global flow of information, which does not always reflect reality."